You’ve heard how the old holiday song goes: “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go!” While you might not be traveling to Grandmother’s house, and you might not have to maneuver through the woods or over the river to get to your final destination, it’s likely that you or your loved ones are going to be traveling this holiday season. No matter where your holiday travels are taking you this season, it’s crucial to stay safe. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, train (or by horse-drawn sleigh), here are a few tips that will help keep you safe during your holiday travels:
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
You can’t just hop in the car and start driving to your holiday destination. You can’t just drive to the airport and hop on a plane without doing some preparatory work. To prepare for traveling via car, be sure to inspect your car by a qualified mechanic before hitting the road. In addition, pack up the car with a safety kit that includes non-perishable food, water, blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, a portable tire inflator, and more. To prepare for plane or train trips, make sure you have some essential items, like snacks, water bottles (empty if you’re going on a plane), and toiletries.
Know Refund Policies and Safety Measures
Plane tickets, hotel rooms, and other travel-related expenses can get costly. That said, it’s a good idea to read up on the policies associated with tickets and hotel rooms before you purchase them. If you get sick, miss a flight, or have to change your travel plans, you don’t want to be stuck paying for rooms and tickets you can’t use. Also, remember that small airports are less likely to have delays and cancellations, so choose the airports you’re traveling to carefully. In addition, when you’re traveling, be careful using public Wi-Fi networks, as you shouldn’t access personal and private information like banking information on public Wi-Fi networks.
Drive with Care and Caution
Nothing is more important than getting to your holiday plans safely. So, don’t distract yourself by looking at a GPS or taking your eyes off the road. It’s best to drive with a co-pilot so that they can give you directions. When you don’t have to look at your phone, don’t. Never look at your phone while driving and you’ll be safer. Moreover, remember to be extra cautious if you’re driving an EV. Know that your mileage range will usually be about half of what it says because wind and weather can deplete your battery faster.
Be Calm If You Get Stuck
If you get stuck while driving, don’t worry. Stay calm, don’t spin your tires, turn your wheels back and forth to try rocking the car, and ensure the exhaust pipe is clear. If your exhaust isn’t clear, carbon monoxide might seep into the cabin. If you have to call 9-1-1 which will work if you have cell service—tell the dispatcher who you’re with, what supplies you have, and any other important information. Be sure to contact your family with this information so they know why you will be delayed arriving.
Keep Safe This Holiday Season and Choose Northeast Nebraska Insurance
Whether you’re traveling to the grocery store to pick up a turkey or you’re traveling hundreds of miles to see your aunt who makes a great pumpkin pie, be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant as you travel. You and your family’s safety matters, and at Northeast Nebraska Insurance, we are committed to providing you with insurance policies that will protect what matters to you. For more information about our home, auto, and other policies, reach out to us to get in touch with a local independent agent.