Be safe traveling this Thanksgiving

  • Published
  • By Cindy McClendon
  • 17th Training Wing Safety Office
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Thanksgiving Day is one of the busiest travel days of the year, when millions of Americans hit the roads or take to the air.

This year an estimated 30.8 million Americans will travel to spend the holiday with friends and family. Here are some traveling tips to help make your Thanksgiving travels go smoothly and get you to your destination safe and sound.

· If possible, travel on Monday or Tuesday and return on Friday. The airports and highways are far less crowded on these days than they are on Thanksgiving or the day before.
· Packing at least one night in advance helps you be more prepared and reduces stress. You'll have time to remember things you might have forgotten and won't be running around like a crazy person at the last minute. Also be sure to pack all medications, charge your cell phone and bring the charger with you.

Driving:

· Check the roadworthiness of your car. Make sure your headlights, brake lights, brakes, hoses and windshield wipers are all functioning properly.

· Check your wheels. It's important to make sure your tires are in top shape before you hit the road. Tire pressure drops in colder temperatures, so you may need to fill it up before and even during your trip if you are headed to colder regions. Also, if your tire treads are running uneven or if you see cracks, cuts or bulges, it may be time to invest in new tires.

· To avoid long lines at the gas pump, be sure to fill your tank the night before you leave.
· Always allow yourself extra time to get to your destination, and avoid unsafe practices like speeding, tailgating and illegal passing.

· Be on the lookout for oversized recreational vehicles that may be driving on unfamiliar roads.

· If possible, use the highway. Interstate travel is safer than using the back roads.
· If you are planning a long trip, plan breaks and if possible switch drivers every few hours.
· Buckle up everyone in the car. Seatbelts save lives.

· Keep aware of advisory signs like "Deer Crossing" or "Bridge May be Icy." Those signs are there for a reason.

· Avoid distractions like talking and texting on your cell phone or turning to see passengers in the back seat. Distracted drivers are almost as likely to be involved in a crash as drunk drivers.

· Try to plan the bulk of your travel during the day when conditions are safer, and be aware of what weather to expect where you are headed.

· Don't drink and drive! Remember, impairment starts at the first drink, never risk the safety of yourself, your friends, your family and others on the road.

Flying:

· Check in electronically 24 hours before your flight and print your boarding pass at home.

You'll avoid check-in lines at the airport and get to your gate faster with less hassle.
Follow these safety traveling tips this holiday and throughout the year to help keep your family safe on our nation's roadways.

Information retrieved from ConsumerReports.org.