Whether you decide to stay home or visit friends and family, you may still find yourself doing some travel over the holiday season. According to the American Red Cross, more than 132 million people are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year. Most will likely be from the Mid-Atlantic region (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania) and the busiest travel day will be the Sunday after Thanksgiving,
If you’re on the road, make sure your vehicle is in good running condition, you have plenty of rest, and you’re prepared for any emergency.
Safety Tips for Driving
- Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency preparedness kit with you.
- Get a good night’s sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving.
- Leave early, planning for heavy traffic.
- Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled.
- Put that cell phone away; many distractions occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit.
- Practice defensive driving.
- Designate a sober driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol or over the counter, prescription and illegal drugs can cause impairment.
Safety Tips for Planes and Trains
If you are taking a plane or train to get to where you are spending your holiday:
- Remember that everything you touch has to be touched by someone else — other passengers, luggage handlers, etc. Handle your own belongings as much as possible.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- It’s flu season. If you’ve been sick or been in contact with someone who is sick, consider postponing your trip. You could be contagious for a week before symptoms appear.
- Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
- Bring your own pillows and blankets — they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
- Avoid touching your face or eyes. If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.
Photo by Donna Elliot on Unsplash.
