How to Drive Safely in Holiday Traffic

With so many shopping during the holidays it is impossible to avoid the conjested roads. It is important to exercise safety when driving on a road full of vehicles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Patience. Don't go out and expect to get somewhere in a hurry while driving during the holiday season. It is difficult to get from point A to point B at the pace you are used to. If you are in a hurry and use unsafe driving ettiquite it could trigger road rage from other drivers. Slow down.

2. Anticipate. As when driving at any time, it is important to anticipate what other drivers may do. Someone who has been waiting to pull out onto the road from a parking lot for a long period of time, may use bad judgement for their timing due to lack of patience. Anticipate this happening and make sure you are not driving too fast in case someone does pull out in front of you or the driver in front of you has to slam on the brakes.

3. Take roads less traveled. Many cities have several ways to get through town. It may take a little longer, but using a less traveled road will be safer than taking a more common, but now over-driven road.

4. Don't drive too closely behind other cars. As mentioned earlier, more people will be pulling out of parking lots when they should not and following too close to another car may result in an accident. Remember, the driver who rear-ends another car is almost always considered to be at fault. This means a ticket and higher insurance rates.

5. Keep the inside of your car from being hectic and full of chaos. Make sure children are occupied with toys or games that will keep them from distracting your while you are driving. Turn the radio down and don't talk on the phone. If you are more aware of your surrounding while driving on a hectic road, you may be able to prevent an accident.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are frustrated, keep in mind most of the other drivers are in the same situation. Some drivers are more prone to road rage so keep your distance from someone driving aggresively. They are more likely to fly off the handle from being cut off.

[jillybeanusn]

on 12/3/2009 I was just checking this out...we had a crazy thanksgiving ride this year! 8 hour turned 12 hour. Wish I'd done my research before. LOL.
Def 5* Esp step 1! That's a biggie!
If you're interested, here's a link on how to avoid holiday traffic.
http://www.ehow.com/how_5709942_avoid-holiday-traffic.html

[jillybeanusn]

on 12/3/2009 I was just checking this out...we had a crazy thanksgiving ride this year! 8 hour turned 12 hour. Wish I'd done my research before. LOL.
Def 5* Esp step 1! That's a biggie!
If you're interested, here's a link on how to avoid holiday traffic.
http://www.ehow.com/how_5709942_avoid-holiday-traffic.html

[HardworkinJudy]

on 12/6/2008 Excellent, excellent tips. Can we post these at the secretary of state?

[ptb49er]

on 12/5/2008 Great tips. People should just be mindful and drive safely at all times.