The holiday season is officially upon us, which means many Denverites have already begun planning their holiday travels. If you are one of the many who will take to the roads, rather than the air, for your holiday adventures, safety is likely your top priority. AAA Colorado projected more than 930,000 Coloradoans would travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving weekend. This same report shows that of all Colorado travelers 810,000 — nearly eight percent more than last year — traveled by road. Based on these numbers, we can only guess at how many people will be hitting the roads for Christmas travel.
As your trusted auto glass technicians, the team at Denver Mobile Auto Glass places your safety as a number-one priority. We want you to be safe anytime you’re driving, but especially during the holidays when the safety risks are heightened significantly. As you prepare for your holiday journeys this December, you’ll want to keep many travel aspects in mind. In an effort to help you prepare for your road trip, here are five travel safety tips to consider this month. Need a windshield repair or replacement before you go? Contact your Denver auto glass company for all your car window needs!
Five Holiday Road Trip Safety Tips
Inspect Your Vehicle
Take the time to inspect and even triple-check that your vehicle is road trip ready. Carefully inspect your windshield, side windows, sunroof, and rear window, as well as any features like the wipers and spray nozzles, to ensure everything is ship-shape. Check the tread on your tires and the tire pressure. Look under the hood to ensure all your fluids are full or at the appropriate levels for travel. Check underneath your vehicle for signs of fluid leaks. Make sure your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are fully operational. If anything looks suspicious, schedule a service immediately.
Pack a Roadside Emergency Kit
Build a roadside emergency kit with all the things you’d need if you become stranded. Your kit might include basic tools for roadside auto repairs, reflective cones, extra supplies of fluids like oil, antifreeze, and wiper fluid, gloves, and a flashlight. You should also pack blankets, plenty of water, a map, an ice scraper, a bag of kitty litter (for traction if you get stuck), and snacks. Pack any specific items you or any of your passengers and/or pets may need.
Prevent Driver’s Fatigue
Driver’s fatigue can strike whether you’re tired or not. To fight this, get plenty of sleep the night before traveling. When traveling with others, take turns driving so that everyone shares the burden of driving, especially when traveling long distances. When traveling solo, drive when you are most alert and pull over to rest when you feel drowsy or sleepy. To avoid aches and pains while driving, adjust your seat so you are close to the steering wheel and consider using a back support.
Don’t Be a Distracted Driver
Distracted driving is a leading cause for motor vehicle accidents, so take steps to avoid being a distracted driver.
- Create a road trip playlist so you don’t have to fumble with your stereo or listening device.
- Set your phone to respond to texts with an automated message system alerting people that you’re driving and will call them back.
- Keep your phone in the glove box or center console to prevent distractions.
Winterize Your Windshield
Your auto glass keeps the warmth in while keeping the elements out. Your windshield also helps maintain the overall infrastructure of your vehicle. Therefore, it’s important to ensure all your car windows are secure and free of damage to keep you and your passengers safe during your road trip. At Denver Mobile Auto Glass, we offer a plethora of auto glass services ranging from car window repairs to windshield replacements. Reach out to our Top Rated Local® auto glass team in Denver to schedule a mobile repair or to bring your car in for a new window installation. We can also check that your wiper blades are in good shape and that all your car window functions are operating as they should. Call or click today to arrange an appointment before heading out on your holiday adventure.