Safe Driving Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is usually a pretty busy time for everyone and as a result it also makes our roads a much more dangerous place if you are not prepared and careful. While you can’t control the behavior of other drivers, you can certainly control your own actions.

Appoint drivers

While it’s always great to have a few drinks with friends and family, it’s also extremely important to remember that drunk driving not only puts you and your passengers at risk of serious or even fatal harm, it puts many others at risk as well. If you’re attending holiday drinks with friends or family, nominate someone to drive for the night. Not only will you have a secure elevator to your home, but you’ll also know your car is safe in your garage without the increased chance of theft or vandalism if it’s parked on a quiet, unlit street.

If you are going to take a long trip somewhere in the car, that does not mean that you cannot designate a driver in this case as well. While alcohol may not be a concern, sleep deprivation and drowsiness are also deadly on Australian roads. If you have someone to share the driving with, take your turns in blocks so you can both get equal rest periods to make sure you’re fully alert behind the wheel.

Planning your trip

Many people often face a long car journey alone. Before you set out on your journey, take a look at how long the journey will take and if you need to stop for the night somewhere along the way. Trying to make a long-distance trip in one go is often the reason why people have accidents on our roads at Christmas.

Once you’re on the road, if you’re driving alone and start to feel tired or drowsy, stop as soon as possible. A 15-minute nap may not sound like much, but it could keep you from falling asleep at the wheel. While having loud music and open windows may seem like it will keep you awake, the only way to cure sleepiness is to sleep. If you choose to stop and take a nap, make sure you park away from the road, preferably in a marked rest area, and make sure your car is locked, even if you’re in it.

Staying safe while driving over the Christmas period is all about planning ahead, being prepared and taking a break when you need to. While you may be in a hurry to get to your family for the break, it’s much better to arrive later, but safely.