According to the National Safety Council, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are among the most dangerous time for drivers. The holiday season can bring a number of risks on the road, so it’s important to take as many safety precautions as possible before hitting the road home for Winter break.
Minimize Distractions
Distracted driving accounts for approximately one in four car accident fatalities. Apps such as Snapchat, Shazam and Instagram have made it easy for young drivers to quickly lose track of the road Sending one text can take your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. When you’re traveling 55 mph, that can be the length of a football field.
Texting and driving isn’t the only distraction that can occur behind the wheel. The three main categories of distracted driving include: visual (looking away from the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel) and cognitive (thinking about something other than driving).
If you’re heading home after finals or a stressful semester, you might have a lot on your mind. It’s important to remember to keep a clear head while driving and always focus on the road.
Track Your Route
Whether you’re taking a train, plane or car this Winter break, is important to always remember to share your location with someone. Having a friend or parent know your time of arrival and route could make all the difference in the event disaster strikes.
Share your location on your phone and make sure to map out your route (even if you are familiar with the trip home). A quick check on road conditions, weather and construction can keep you on time and on track to getting home safely.
Don’t Drive Impaired
If you plan to drink this holiday season, don’t drive impaired. Alcohol isn’t the only problem that is affecting students behind the wheel. According to DWI attorney, David Breston, “there has been a significant increase in the number of stoned drivers on this roads. An increase in wax pens has caused a significant amount of young adults to be arrested for driving under the influence.
Stoned driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.” The National Institute of Drug Abuse estimates that nearly five percent of highway deaths are now caused by “drugged drivers.” Data from the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality shows that young adults between 18-25 are far more likely to drive under the influence of marijuana or another substance than any other age group.
Be Prepared
One of the most common things young travelers forget to do before they hit the road home is get their car inspected. When you’re living on a college budget, it’s easy to overlook the importance of car safety. Sometimes, a seatbelt isn’t enough. If your commuting over 100 miles this Winter, it’s important to have your car serviced and inspected.
Check your antifreeze levels, brakes, filters, hazard lights windshield wipers and make sure your battery and ignition system are all functioning properly. This is especially important if you plan to travel in rough weather conditions such as rain and snow.
other valuable readings:
Vacation On A Budget: 5 Inexpensive Alternatives To Traveling
How to Plan a Budget-friendly Road-Trip If You Are a Student
Having your tires checked is one of the most important elements. Winter-ready tires could be the difference between life and death in a situation that involves a tire-blowout. Car trouble s one of the most common issues that travelers experience during the holidays. It’s important to always be prepared with an emergency kit and have the necessary tools on standby in the event of car troubles.
The Reason For The Season
Let this holiday season be a trip home filled with joy, family, delicious food and safe travel. If you’re traveling with others in the car, remember that their life is also in your hands. Arriving at your destination in one piece is more important than any Snapchat filter or text message.
Image Credit: Pixabay
end of post … please share it!
| google+ |
GUIDE: stafford student loans (financing college)
- Full real HUD including revs, gear and speed.
- ABS, TC and ESP simulation. You can also turn them off!
- Explore a detailed open world environment.
- Driving distance and flight distance calculator
- Places finder (directions and information on food, lodging, gas & more for a location)
- Road map finder
- Physics driven real car damage. Don't crash your extreme car into the traffic vehicles or you will need to spend cash in the car paint workshop!
- Extreme Drive from an interior cockpit view with real km/h or mph speed meter!
- New upgrade system: Upgrade your vehicle until it can climb any hill!
- Best Car Simulator 2014
- Realistic physics and realistic car damage. Crash your car!
- Full real HUD including revs, gear and speed. ABS, TC and ESP simulation.
Last update on 2020-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
end of post idea
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
view home improvement ideas at our Photo Remodeling center
$$$: finding money for college