With many families traveling to spend time with loved ones during this Thanksgiving, it is important that we prepare our vehicles and ourselves as drivers for the trip. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided some tips to help you get to your destination.
Below are the cliff Notes to NHTSA’s tips. The link below will take you directly to their page.
Know your car – Before driving clear snow, ice, and dirt from windows, headlights, taillights back up camera etc. Check pressure in your tires and their tread depth. Make sure all lights are working, and check your cars fluids (Oil, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid etc.).
Stock your vehicle – Carry items in your vehicle you may need in an emergency. Consider bringing a snow shovel and ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, a cell phone with charger, water, food, and any medications you may need for longer trips.
Plan your travel route – Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic before leaving. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Dealing with an auto accident caused by being in a rush and driving aggressively will delay your arrival to your destination even longer than staying calm and driving defensively.
Safe travels.