If you’re planning on driving on the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend, Hummel’s Automotive Diagnostic & Repair would like to offer some tips that will make your trip safer. Millions of people travel on Thanksgiving weekend each year, and more will likely be traveling by car instead of air in 2020. Make sure you make it to and from your destination without a hitch by planning ahead and staying smart.
Tip 1: Plan
Check the weather forecast along your planned route to make sure you won’t have to drive through any bad storms. Make sure the roads are clear and all lanes will be open. Things such as road construction can close lanes and congest the highways. Find an alternate way to get to your destination just in case a major accident closes the planned roads. Plan for rest stops along the way, as well, to stay refreshed.
Tip 2: Rest
Get plenty of rest the night before your trip. Don’t stay up until the wee hours packing and preparing. Get that done early so you can relax, go to bed at a normal time, and get at least eight hours of sleep. A good night’s sleep will keep you alert behind the wheel. Studies show that people who drive when they’re tired are driving as if they are drunk. Tiredness diminishes your motor skills and response times.
Tip 3: Be Safe
Leave early so you don’t have to rush, i.e. drive aggressively. Make sure everyone is buckled in securely, even the dog if you’re taking it, and drive defensively. Holiday travel is dangerous because although you might not drive under the influence of alcohol or like a maniac, many other drivers do. Stay aware of the cars in front of and behind you and on each side. Move to another lane if someone is driving erratically.
Tip 4: Be Smart
Don’t make the mistake of undoing everything you did for the drive to the holiday gathering. In other words, don’t drink and then get back into the car to drive home. Be mindful of how sleepy you are after the meal. Remember, turkey has tryptophan in it, and that is a natural tranquilizer. If you don’t feel you can drive back home safely because you are too tired, stay the night and drive home the next day.
Tip 5: Prepare
Finally, make sure your vehicle is in tiptop shape before you hit the road. Have any preventative maintenance done that is due and have the automobile inspected for potential problems that would leave you stranded on the roadside. These problems include a tire blowout, overheating, and a stalled engine. Hummel’s Automotive Diagnostic & Repair in St. George, UT, can prevent these things.
Happy Thanksgiving!
