If your holiday plans include travel, you aren’t alone. A new survey by The Vacationer reports that 109 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year. The most popular mode of transportation? Hitting the open road. If you plan to join the millions of drivers planning to get from Point A to Point B, by car, make sure you take these steps to be safe:
1. Keep your eyes open
Even as you book travel, research the destination to identify risky areas. Map out local places to turn to if you need assistance. Record and keep emergency numbers at-the-ready.
2. Pack light
If an item looks valuable to you, it will also look that way to thieves. Place the valuables you decide to take in the hotel safe, along with important documents such as identification, laptop, passport and extra credit cards.
3. Be an early bird
Arrive at the airport early to allow time for longer-than-average security lines and expect delays. Check into hotels early in the day, so you won’t have to cart belongings across a dark parking lot at night.
4. Blend in
Don’t wear flashy jewelry or expensive clothing. Doing so could increase your risk of being targeted for crime. Maintain a low profile.
5. Leave Cash at Home
Don’t carry extra cash. Avoid taking large denominations and revealing large sums of money when you’re paying for items. Keep a little cash on you at all times, however, in case of an emergency.
ROAD TRIP SAFETY
Do your Thanksgiving plans include a road trip? Here are some simple tips make your drive safe and sane.
- Complete an emergency communications card, which details your travel plans. Leave it with your emergency contact.
- Maintain your vehicle. Have a mechanic inspect your car and tires before you head out on the open road.
- When applicable, prepare your car for winter weather before hitting the road for the holidays
- Map your route in advance. But be prepared for heavy traffic, since the holidays are one of the most popular travel times of the year.
- Don’t tempt thieves. Stow valuables in the trunk or covered storage area.
- If you’re traveling with children, remind them never to talk to strangers. Never leave them unattended on bathroom break.
- Keep roadside assistance contact information on hand.
- In case of an emergency, keep your cellphone and charger with you at all times.
- If possible, stay off the road during and after winter storms.
- Pack an emergency supply kit in the trunk.
- Obey the speed limit.
- Avoid distractions, such as map-reading, eating or cell-phone use.
- Make sure everyone is buckled up, no matter how short the trip!
More tips about safe holiday travel
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
National Safety Council
About DG Collision Center in Covina, California
If, despite your pre-trip preparations, you are involved in a car accident, we would love to help get you back on the road. DG Collision Center in Covina, California is your one-stop-shop in Covina for auto body repair after car accidents and auto restorations. Our highly trained team includes specialized technicians. We work directly with all insurance companies. This enables our customers to file a claim without even needing to be present. Additionally, if you don’t want to leave your home in Covina right after the accident, you can request an online estimate for auto body repairs or any other auto restorations. We have a smartphone app that allows us to provide estimates without coming to your home or place of business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent service.