15 Safety Tips for Holiday Travelers This Christmas

Ease the pain of holiday traveling this year by getting to your destination safe and sound - meaning, no cuts, no bruises, no accidents and no hassles of any sort. Here are just some of the many tips that you can keep in mind when you travel this Christmas whether you decide to take the road, the railroad, the air or the sea.

1. Before you go on any trip, safety begins at home, right before you leave. Get plenty of rest as this will definitely affect your entire travel. The lack of rest is almost certain to make any traveler sleepy and irritable, which may cause a lot of trouble especially when you're the designated driver.

2. Let someone know of your complete travel plans in case of emergency or flight delays. Awareness of weather and road conditions prior to traveling can also save you a great deal of time and energy.

3. Inspect or have a professional mechanic inspect your car at least two days before your scheduled travel. It is very important to check the brakes, tires, antifreeze, wiper fluid, gasoline, lights, battery and wipers. You need to give enough time for the car's check-up so that if something needs to be repaired you still have enough time to get it done. If there's something wrong with the car and you rush fixing it, you may end up with car trouble on the road after all.

4. Pack ahead of time and not the night before. Make a list of the things you need to bring and be sure to include a safety kit for 'just-in-case' situations. Pack warm blankets, ample drinking water, flares, flashlights (with fresh batteries) and first-aid medicines (especially when you're traveling with your children). These items may not sound necessary upfront but you never know - it is always better to play it on the safe side in case the need arises.

5. If you're traveling with your children, be sure to use a restraint system that is appropriate for your child's height and weight. Make it a point to read the manufacturer's usage guidelines to ensure that you're doing it right. Also, it would be wise to keep your kids in the back seat of your vehicle buckled up properly (no matter how short your trip may be).

6. Take time to clear all snow and ice from the hood, roof, windows and lights of your car and bring with you a good supply of windshield washer fluid. Also, ensure that your tires are properly inflated. An extra tire and a complete set of car tools in the trunk can go a long way in case of flat tires.

7. Do not drink and drive. Over the years, DUI-related incidents during the holidays keep rising. It is as simple as this: wouldn't you want to arrive alive?

8. If you are following behind trucks, do not drive in their blind spot, do not tailgate and only pass on the right. No matter how slow the vehicle is in front of you, be patient. Ensure that it is clear to pass before you do so. No use in rushing if you only end up in an accident.

9. If you are signaled to stop by any vehicle (except if it is a CLEARLY marked government vehicle), acknowledge the signal and signal to the driver to follow you to a safe location (crowded or well-lighted). Follow speed limit and don't get out of your vehicle unless you have arrived in a place you feel is safe. At any rate, if you still feel unsure and you have your cell phone, call 911.

10. Travel, as much as possible, during the day. If you have access to a cellular phone, take it with you. Keep emergency and travel-related numbers handy for easy access in case of need.

11. If you're traveling by air, do not wrap or package gifts to avoid delays in inspection. Take a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). These are required at the check-in counter and before boarding your flight. All sharp objects must be in your checked-in luggage - not on your carry-on bags.

12. Listen to flight instructions during your entire travel. Be sure to check the signs above you (when to fasten/unfasten the belts and when it is alright to open the overhead compartment). Clearly, if you don't follow the flight instructions, you run the risk of harming not only yourself but your co-passengers as well.

13. If you're taking railway routes, be careful when approaching the crossings especially if the weather is bad. If your view is not very clear in either direction, do not attempt to cross until you make certain that no train is approaching. Keep your radio turned down, listen for warning bells and whistles and if you have your children with you tell them to be quiet until you've safely crossed the crossing.

14. Listen carefully to safety instructions before departure when taking the ship. Be sure to know where the life jackets are and what to do in case of an emergency. Check where the exits are and do not lose sight of your children at any given time.

15. Patience, Patience, Patience. Traveling during the holidays can be a mess but if you learn to keep your cool, you will get to your destination with a smile. It is a season of love and happiness, after all.