Holiday Travel: Over the River and Thru the Interstate

Let's All Be Safe This Holiday Season

The holiday season is always a busy time on the roads with lots of people traveling to Grandma's house and beyond. You can protect yourself and your family by following some safe driving tips.

Before getting on the road, try a little preventative maintenance: Check all fluid levels; perform a safety check on the car, including checking tires and making sure you have emergency equipment in your car. Never drive when you are tired or have not had proper rest.

Once you are on the road, it is important to drive safely. Every year, hundreds of Americans have their holiday season tragically ruined by the news of a serious auto accident involving somebody they love. More than 11 million crashes take place on U.S. roads every year, resulting in more than 2.6 million police-reported injuries and 40,000 deaths. Unfortunately, most serious crashes are not accidents. They are the direct result of dangerous driving.

Always wear your seatbelts.
Always drive with your headlights on, a car is visible for nearly 4 times the distance with it's headlights on even during daytime hours.

When a light turns green, look left, then right, straight ahead, then left again before proceeding through the light. Notice all vehicles and ensure that someone else is not going to run the light.

Keep your eyes moving. Notice what is happening on the sides of the road and check behind you through your mirrors every 6-8 seconds.

When driving on a two lane road that allows parking on the right, stay toward the center line to allow for room if someone were to open their door to exit their vehicle in front of your car.  This forethought will help you from swerving to miss an opening door. If there is no parking allowed on the road position your car toward the right to allow for more room between you and oncoming traffic.

Expect the other drivers to make mistakes and think what you would do if a mistake does happen. For example, do not assume that a vehicle coming to a stop sign is going to stop. Be ready to react if it does not stop.

If we are able to all follow good driving habits this holiday season, we will be sure to reduce the number of accidents and save lives along with the holiday dreams of so many people.

Travel Must-Haves

 Here are some excellent items that will help your peace of mind behind the wheel

	Rules of the Road: A Complete Driver's Ed Course (DVD) Get Street Smart! Rules of the Road introduces teens to safe, smart, and skullful driving. Know what to do in case of auto accident with the ''In case of Emergency'' bonus featur...more Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $39.95 Lowest Used Price: $25.97 (as of 1/5/2009@1:26 PM) Lowest New Price: $32.39 (as of 1/5/2009@1:26 PM)
	Classic Drivers Ed Road Rage Films DVD: Angry Driving Education Videos (DVD) American road rage had a long history on the roads. Beginning 30's the U.S. government along with the auto industry started to try to educate the public about the dangerous of los...more List Price: $19.99 Lowest New Price: $12.49 (as of 1/5/2009@1:26 PM)
	AAA 63 Piece Traveler Road Assistance Kit (Automotive Parts and Accessories) The AAA-certified Emergency Roadside Kit is a well-constructed and well thought-out emergency kit. This 63-piece emergency car kit contains rugged jumper cables, a tough flashligh...more Average Customer Rating: 1.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $34.99 Lowest New Price: $32.99 (as of 1/5/2009@1:26 PM)
	20 Piece Auto Roadside Emergency Kit-Mountain Road Warrior (Health and Beauty) Kit contains: 2400 Calorie Food Bar, 30 minute high intensity light stick, tow rope, auto spot light, jumper cables, first aid kit, flashlight w/batteries, fire extinguisher, sola...more List Price: $79.99 Lowest New Price: $69.99 (as of 1/5/2009@1:26 PM)
	Economy 13 piece auto emergency kit-Economy Road Warrior (Health and Beauty) Kit Contains: 30 minute high intensity light stick, tow rope, flashlight with batteries, solar blanket, waterproof poncho, drinking water, leather gloves, whistle, ductape, utilit...more List Price: $39.99 Lowest New Price: $39.99 (as of 1/5/2009@1:26 PM)
	Accutire MS-4035GB 3-Piece Auto Safety Kit (Automotive Parts and Accessories) All car enthusiasts are entitled to certain inalienable rights, and among those unspoken rules is the right to be safe at all times. I am sure you have seen (and hopefully procure...more Average Customer Rating: 2.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $20.00 Lowest New Price: $7.51 (as of 1/5/2009@1:26 PM)
	LifeHammer Silver The Original Emergency Hammer (Automotive Parts and Accessories) For over 20 years, LifeHammer has provided safety professionals with a reliable tool and motorists with a peace of mind that can only come from knowing that escape is easily withi...more Average Customer Rating: 3.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $17.99 Lowest New Price: $17.99 (as of 1/5/2009@1:26 PM)

Where do you Go??

 Vote for the best place for you to end up during the holiday travel season.