Holiday travel can be hectic, and if you're not careful, dangerous. This article is not to scare, but to prepare you so you and your family can be as safe as possible and still enjoy yourself this holiday season.
Here are some tips for holiday travel safety:
1. Travel with someone. Find out if a friend or family member is going in your direction. If so, travel with them. Students should travel in a group, as this is not the time to prove your independence.
2. Avoid traveling at night. The redeye flight might be cheap, but it isn’t the safest time to travel. Traveling when it is most populated has a level of safety that nighttime travel does not.
3.
Never travel while intoxicated. Although tempting, traveling under the influence will lower your reflexes. You need to be aware at all times. Save the drinks for when you arrive safely at your destination. Never drink while or before driving and if your medication makes you drowsy, consider taking a plane or other mode of transportation.
4. Don’t rely on technology completely. Map out your trip and be prepared if you have to use a real map instead of MapQuest to find out where you are going.
5. Hire a driver when in other countries. Women are frequently abducted in cabs while traveling in other countries. Plan ahead and hire a driver who will be waiting for you when you arrive at the airport.
6. Check road conditions before you leave if you are traveling out of state. Prepare accordingly. Make sure to have a first aid kit and extra blankets in your trunk.
7. Have your car service arranged before leaving on your holiday journey.
8. Make a list of allergies to foods and medications and place it in your traveling documentation in case you are incapacitated.
9. Keep your business to yourself. It is nice to be polite on your holiday trip, but there is no need to expose every detail about your trip to your neighbor seated next to you on the train, plane, or bus.
10. Police must show their badge when requested. If you are pulled over and traveling alone, request to see the officer’s badge. If it is late at night, slow down, but don’t stop. Pull over and drive slowly while calling 911. Tell the dispatcher what is happening and if there is an officer in that location.
© Newsmax. All rights reserved.