CDC Tips for Safe Driving During the Holidays
Millions of motorist will be hitting the roads during the Christmas and New Year's Holidays and the CDC Government department has a few tips for you that hopefully will help to insure a safe trip!
Nearly 102 million Americans will drive to their holiday destinations through the end of the year. Despite roller-coaster gas prices in 2022, this holiday season will see an additional 2 million drivers compared to 2021. That of course means more possibilities for auto accidents.
Motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries can be prevented. Always buckle up, drive at safe speeds, and never drive impaired to help everyone stay safe on the road during the holiday season.
Do not drive when you are impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, and do not allow your family members or friends to drive while impaired. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a ride share service to protect yourself and others on the road.
Avoid distractions while driving, such as using your cell phone to text, email, or access social media. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for at least five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
Check the weather conditions before you head out on the road. Make sure to drive at a speed that is safe for road and weather conditions.
If you're a parent, know the laws concerning child passenger safety and its four stages (rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, booster seats, and seat belts). Just by making sure your children are buckled up properly, you will reduce the risk for serious injuries or death in a car crash by up to 80 percent. Remember that children age 12 and younger should be properly buckled in the back seat of the vehicle.
Did you know the leading causes of teen crashes and injuries include driver inexperience, driving with teen passengers, nighttime driving, and not using seat belts? The CDC suggest that parents get in supervised driving time with your teen over the holidays while they are not in school. Practicing driving under your supervision in different kinds of weather is helpful for providing your teen with valuable driving experience in varied conditions.
Driving helps older adults stay mobile and independent. However, the risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash increases as people age. If you are an older driver, there are steps you can take to stay safe on the road. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review medicines to reduce side effects and interactions that could affect your ability to drive safely. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and wear glasses and corrective lenses as directed. Plan your route before you drive. Find the safest route with well-lit streets, intersections with left-turn signals, and easy parking.
These are just a few tips for all ages from the CDC department to hopefully help make your holiday travel safe! For more information, click here.