The hustle and bustle of the holidays are upon us, and Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away! Did you know that Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel? That’s why it’s so important to make sure you are following travel safety tips, as well as keeping in mind that we are still in a pandemic, and we still need to protect ourselves and others from exposure. Whether you’re driving somewhere to meet family or friends, or if you’re flying, below are some things to keep in mind when travelling this Thanksgiving.

Driving Safety:

• If you intend on driving a long way, now is a good time to take care of some of that maintenance on your car you may have been putting off. Getting it inspected, getting the oil changed, and ensuring your tires and the rest of your car is in good condition for travel is important. If you’re car isn’t in the best shape, renting a vehicle may be a better option for you.

• Pack an emergency preparedness kit that includes extra blankets, pillows, jumper cables, extra oil or fluids, first aid supplies, water etc. to ensure you are prepared. It may also be useful to have a road map or external GPS in your kit as well, in the event your phone dies or there is no service to use the GPS. Don't forget an extra phone charger or two, as well as pack several days worth of medications if applicable.

• Check the weather, not only locally, but also the weather of your intended destination. This time of year can be iffy, and depending on the location you are headed too, you may encounter snow, ice, and winter weather.

• Share travel plans with friends or family and communicate it to them in case you get lost, or something happens so that they may have a better chance of finding you.

• Make frequent stops to ensure alertness and comfort levels for you and your family so that you may drive as safe as possible.

 

Other good safety tips to keep in mind for holiday travel:

 

• Winter weather safety- if you encounter winter weather on your route, get to a safe location with your car and wait until conditions clear and are safe for travel. It may be good to be flexible in your travel plans to accommodate unforeseen circumstances, so giving yourself an extra day or two before Thanksgiving may help you immensely if something comes up. Ensure you have a full gas tank, some extra gas if you can, and use your heat as sparingly as possibly- 10 minutes per hour just to keep yourself from developing cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia.

• Bring extra pillows or blankets with you in your vehicle or to an airport in the event winter weather hits and your flight or drive is delayed. Also make sure you have an extra phone charger and a change or two of clothes in case the weather is unpredictable, or you need to call someone for help.

For more safety tips, click here to be redirected to the Red Cross.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday!