High Airfares, Low Gas Prices Driving More People Back on the Road for the Holidays

According to USA Today, several airlines are charging $50 surcharges for flights around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Airlines are also slashing the number of available flights, leading to more layovers, less convenient flight times, fewer seats available for people who miss connections, crowded overhead luggage space and jam-packed seating arrangements.

Passengers will also be nickel-and-dimed more than ever. Many airlines that didn't have baggage fees have added them-usually $20 for the first bag. Thirsty? A bottle of water will set you back two bucks. And don't expect a complimentary meal anytime soon.

New security rules will put the squeeze on travelers, too. Suspicious powders and liquids will be sampled to test for traces of explosives, and travelers are required to book flights using their full legal names.

Combine this with low gas prices and more travelers are opting to ditch the skies and hit the roadways for the holidays, adding more stress to already-packed highways. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is traditionally the heaviest travel day of the year; the day after Christmas is the second busiest.

Crowded highways and poor winter weather conditions make the days surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas some of the deadliest driving days of the year.

But the news isn't all bad. By taking some practical steps, drivers can keep their vehicles accident-free and their car insurance rate affordable this holiday season:

• Take it Slow - Make this your mantra: ice and snow, take it slow. Keeping your speed low will help prevent spinouts.

• Leave Home Early - When traveling during the holidays, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, especially when roads are packed and weather conditions are poor.

• Use Brakes Efficiently - Slamming on the brakes in winter weather is a sure-fire way to spin out of control. Anticipate slowdowns. When you do use your brakes, tap them gently.

• Don't Rely on Technology - Your vehicle may be equipped with all-wheel drive, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes, but no technology can guarantee your safety on winter roads.

Looks like the in-laws may be the least of your worries this holiday season.