HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!

As the holidays approaches, a lot of us have travelling on our minds, as part of the festivities includes long distance travel to be with love ones.  A recent trip to NYC gets me thinking of sharing the importance of these safe driving tips.

Safe Holiday Driving Tips:

Winter driving and Christmas travels almost go hand in hand and staying in for the holiday is not an option for most of us.  Even in extreme winter driving conditions we head out to be with our precious love ones, so as you must, here are some tips for safe driving:

• Get a tune up and fill all reservoirs to make sure everything is in good driving conditions
• Make sure your gas level is at least at the half way point at all times
• Run the engine and the heaters to remove chills and conserve gas
• Fully charge your cell phone batteries and make sure your minutes are topped up(for those not on a contract) in case of emergencies
• Put your emergency kit in your vehicle (hat, gloves/mittens, scarfs, blankets, snacks/food, water, tissue/Kleenex and your medications), also(ice scraper, snow brush, salt, and so forth)
• Pay close attention to highway traffic signs and warnings
• Know where you are at all times, in case you have to give this to emergency personnel
• Buckle up, keep a reasonable speed and safe distance between your vehicle
• Use common sense and don't forget to MAQUEST, print out and take your driving directions of where you are going along with you.

Signs You may be Drowsy and/or Fatigue:

Sometimes we don't listen to our bodies. We tell ourselves we are OK we can do this (positive self talk will not work here - only common sense).  This is the one time when we really MUST listen to our body.  The body knows best and it will never lie to you.  If it tells you, you are feeling tired or drowsy, listen, tell your co-driver and safely pullover.  Here are few tips that you are tired, drowsy or fatigued:

• Your eyelids are starting to feel heavy or burning
• Yawing repeatedly
• Nodding or having trouble keeping your head up
• Wandering thoughts
• Tailgating
• Rolling down windows or turning up the volume on your speakers to stay awake or alert 

Tips To Avoid Fatigue Related Accident 

In order to arrive alive for the holiday please pay attention to the signs above and do the followings:

• Stop driving
• Take a nap (15-20 minutes we be a great benefit)
• Take frequent rest breaks
• Ensure adequate sleep the night before your trip
• Avoid alcohol
• travel with a secondary driver and share the driving
• know and trust your body; if it tells you you are getting tired, trust it and do the obvious pull over safely and switch drivers
• Don't play macho and you will be home for the holidays

Merry Christmas and a Safe and Joyous Holiday!!!
God Bless!!