On Thanksgiving, roadways are busier than normal, with over 50 million Americans traveling more than 50 miles away from home to be with family and friends for the holiday. The increase in traffic also brings on more aggressive driving and auto accidents. While towing services can rescue you from a breakdown on the road, you can avoid this predicament with the following do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Prepare for the trip.

Before heading out, make sure your vehicle is ready to take on the trip. Give it a once-over and check for issues with the tires, battery, wipers, fluids, and lights. Don’t forget to fill up the fuel tank so you won’t get stranded and have to call for towing services to bail you out. Apart from packing up your turkey and pumpkin pie, bring along essentials like extra clothes, flashlights, a first-aid kit, and tools in case you experience a breakdown. 

Share the road.

Since there will be other travelers as well, remember to share the road. Give way as needed and refrain from driving aggressively, as you’re likely to be in an accident with such an attitude. When you’re passing a truck, keep your turn signals on and change lanes only when it’s clear. Maintain a steady speed and exercise caution when driving near other vehicles that are speeding to get to their destinations. 

Buckle up.

When traveling with kids or pets, make sure their seat belts and seats are working. Inspect the locks and check for the proper fit to prevent injuries during accidents. Secure your little ones by keeping them strapped for the trip. Don’t forget to buckle up as well, as it’s your responsibility as a driver.

Don’t:

Skip out on planning routes.

Whether it’s your first or ninth time taking this route, make it a habit to find alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic and arrive early. Locate pit stops on your route so that you can stretch out and have some rest before getting back on the road. Look up towing services in the area in case of emergencies. Check out the weather forecast, too, to see if it’s safe to drive on certain roadways due to excessive fog or rain. 

Drive distracted.

Holidays are no excuse to throw caution out the window. Focus on the drive to get to your destination safely. Refrain from checking your phone and flipping through radio stations. Instead, have your passengers respond to calls and text messages. If you need to eat or drink, pull over to a well-lit spot or a rest area. 

Get behind the wheel when tired.

Driving when you’re tired is as dangerous as getting behind the wheel drunk. It impairs your ability to react immediately and reduces your coordination. If you plan on setting off early to avoid the rush, make sure to get sufficient rest first.  

 

This Thanksgiving, keep safe on the road with the above tips. If you find yourself stranded somewhere in or around Shasta County, CA, count on Mt. Burney Towing in Burney. They’ve provided towing services and roadside assistance, including jump-starts and flat tire changes, throughout the area for over 27 years. Call (530) 335-3333 for prompt assistance or view their full list of services online.