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After a year of socially distant and isolated events, many people are planning to travel this holiday season. However, with the added travel time and the possibility of inclement weather, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

1. Prepare your home for time away

Before leaving for a trip, ensure your home’s security system is working properly. This can include monitoring equipment such as cameras and alarms. Some home security systems come with optional monitoring. If you prefer to keep track of your system using an app, you can also add 24-hour pro monitoring for the time you’re away. Having a neighbor or friend check on your home can help keep you safe. If you live in a snowy area, make sure you have snow cleared before leaving.

2. Have your car inspected and travel with an emergency kit

During the holidays, car trouble can be a common issue for people who plan on traveling. You don’t want to end up stranded on the side of the road, as opposed to eating Grandma’s homemade pie. Before leaving for a trip, make sure your car is well-maintained and ready for the long journey. Having it inspected can help prevent issues such as a blown tire. An emergency kit should include a safety cone, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a carjack. It should also have first aid supplies such as a blanket to keep warm.

3. Driving in bad weather

Before you leave for a trip, make sure that you have the necessary skills to navigate icy or wet roads safely. Some basic tips you can use to avoid getting stuck on icy roads include: staying out of the way until the roads have been sanded and thoroughly de-iced, slowing down to a slower speed, and giving yourself ample room behind other cars to allow you to stop safely.

4. Map out the drive ahead of time

A well-defined plan can help ensure that you’re ready for any unforeseen events during your trip. For instance, if you’re driving down a road that’s closed due to construction, you might not be able to find an alternative route quickly. An important tip is to note down alternate routes. Having a navigation system or app can also help you navigate safely. These tools can also notify you of potential problems and reroute you to the correct route.

5. Make frequent stops

The longer you drive in winter, the more difficult it can be to maintain a high energy level. Having a couple of hours of rest can help keep you focused on the road. Making frequent stops or simply getting out to stretch your legs can significantly improve your energy level.

6. Cell phone and charger

A cell phone can also help keep you informed about when and where your car might get into trouble. It can allow you to call for help or arrange for alternative transportation. If the battery dies, your phone will not work. Before leaving your house, make sure you have a charging device for your cell phone. Having a car charger is better than a wall one.

You can also download apps for your device to help you in times of need. If your insurance company has an app, it can be beneficial to have it installed before you leave for a trip so that you can easily access roadside assistance.

7. Stay hydrated

Although dehydration isn’t on the list of holiday travel safety hazards, not having enough water can affect your alertness and fatigue. Having several bottles of water can help keep you hydrated throughout the trip.

8. Stay healthy

We all learned during the pandemic that washing your hands properly can significantly decrease your exposure to pathogens that make us sick. It’s also important to keep them clean when traveling during the flu season. Doing so can help prevent the spread of germs on public transportation. To keep your hands clean, use soap or water or an antibacterial gel or wipes. Doing so can help prevent the spread of germs on the public transportation.

9. Share important information with someone close to you

You should also give a copy of your itinerary and contact information to a friend or relative so that they can easily reach you in case of an emergency. You should also bring a copy of your credit cards, passports, and other forms of identification with you in case something goes wrong with the originals. Having a separate set of these documents can help keep you organized during the trip.

Although the holidays can be a difficult time to travel, these safety tips can help make your trip a safer one. These tips will allow you to focus on the fun instead of worrying about what might happen to you.