5 Thanksgiving Driving Safety Tips

Thanksgiving Driving Safety Tips

Essential safety tips when driving over Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Are you ready? Many of us in Illinois will soon be thinking about traveling to visit friends and family for the holidays. Unfortunately, this means that there will be a lot of dreaded holiday traffic on our roads and highways, and accidents are bound to happen. To help your journey to your Thanksgiving destination be a safe one, here are a few tips to consider.

Leave early. Ideally, you will want to leave early to avoid peak traffic hours. If you have flexibility in your travel plans, leave a bit earlier to beat some of the rush. If not, consider traveling throughout the night when most people will have already arrived at their destination.

Get your vehicle ready. Before you hit the road, it’s a good idea to ensure your car is up for the journey ahead. Perform a check of your vehicle’s engine, fluids, headlights, windshield wipers, brakes, and tires. Make any necessary repairs, top up the fluids, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition. This helps to reduce the chance of an accident caused by a maintenance failure.

Take rest breaks. If you’re going to be traveling for hours on end, it’s a good idea to schedule some pit stops along the way. Make time to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and breathe in the fresh air. This helps to keep you alert at the wheel, too.

Be mindful of others. There’s likely going to be lots of traffic on the roads whenever you choose to leave. Be patient with other drivers (especially those who aren’t local), trucks, and older motorists. Avoid the temptation to speed, tailgate, or make unsafe lane changes.

Review your insurance. Your insurance can help you if you do get involved in an accident over the Thanksgiving period. Take a quick look at your policy so you know what is and is not covered. It’s a good idea to call your insurer so you understand the ins and outs of your coverage.

To get started on your reliable auto insurance coverage, talk to the team at Gee-Schussler Insurance Agency. We serve Orland Park motorists with quality coverage that keeps them protected.