Think Safety First When Traveling During the Holiday Season

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is very important to keep safety in mind as you travel this Christmas. Thinking safety first will help to ensure that you and your family stay safe during Christmas as you travel near and far.

1. Before you travel, make sure that every person in the family is as healthy as possible. Infants, toddlers and children should be current on their immunations before traveling. Visit the doctor the week before you are scheduled to leave if there are any doubts and make sure that all prescriptions and medications are full and packed.

2. Always remember to wash your hands and keep hand sanitizer close at all times. Germs are everywhere that people are and because more people are out and about during the Christmas season, there will be more germs to come into contact with. Because the winter months are known for the flu season, make sure that all travelers have had the flu shot.

3. When you are riding in a car, always wear a proper fitting seat belt. A lap belt should be snug fitting across the hip area and the shoulder belt should fit across the chest. Never put the shoulder belt behind your back. All children should be properly restrained in a car seat to ensure their safety.

4. Before you leave for your trip, make sure that your car has been serviced. Tires should be properly inflated to avoid blowouts and you should have all maintenance done before traveling. Make sure that you have a spare tire, jack, flashlight, pair of jumpers and any common tools in your vehicle in the event of a roadside emergency.

5. You never know when your travel plans can turn into a tragic emergency. Prepare for the worst by packing atleast two warm blankets, a couple gallons of drinking water and some non perishable food items. Road conditions can become trecherous during the winter months and you may be stranded on the side of the road with only what you packed.

6. Never drive while you are tired. Make sure that you get plenty of rest before you leave for your destination and always pull over if you begin to feel sleepy. Do not take any medications that can cause drowsiness or alter your concentration.

7. Always park in well-lighted areas and carry your keys in your hands for protection. Be ready to press the alarm button on your keychain if you have one and the need arises. Do not park near dumpsters, woods, large vans or vehicles or anything else that can obstruct your view. Be cautious when parking in a parking garage.

8. If you get pulled over by a law enforcement vehicle, drive to the nearest public facility. Whether it be a gas station or a grocery store, continue driving with your hazard lights on until you find a well-lit public area. If there is not a public place around, call 911 or another local emergency number and tell them that you have been pulled over and don't feel comfortable stopping on the side of the road. The dispatcher will call the officer that has pulled you and notify them of your situation.

9. Thieves are on the prowl during the holidays. Because thieves realize that Christmas is a time for shopping, they will be out and about looking in vehicles and trying to get into unlocked cars. Always lock your vehicle and never leave shopping bags, merchandise, purses or any other valuable item in plain view. It is best to lock any valuables in your trunk.

10. If you are staying in a hotel, you will need to take extra precautions to ensure your family's safety. Research the location of the hotel and choose one that is in a safe area. Travelers are not often aware of the bad areas of town and often fall for the cheaper rates. Always use the dead bolt lock and never open your door to anyone that you do not recognize. Use the safe that is in your room for any personal valuables.

11. Be cautious when using your debit or credit cards while traveling. More than likely, you will whip out the card to pay at gas stations, hotels and restaurants along your route. You will likely use the card to purchase holiday gifts with. Protect your identity and card information. Make sure that you receive your card back after a transaction, not a fake one. Some identity thieves will use camera phones to capture a photo of your card numbers while stanidng in line at a store.

12. When traveling by air, do not allow your child to sit near the aisle. Their arms or legs could get bumped, bruised and possibly broken if an adult or stewardess cart were to come down the aisle and not see them. Use a child restraint seat when traveling by air if possible.

13. Carry all important documents with you at all times. These documents should include drivers licenses, photo identification cards (have a current card available fore each child), immunization records, marriage licenses, insurance information, passports, social security cards and birth certificates. Do not put these important documnets in your wallet or purse in case of a robbery. It is wise to have two copies of important documents in case one were to get lost, stolen or ruined.

14. Be cautious of others. If something does not feel right, get out of the situation as quickly as possible. If someone or something is making you nervous, contact the appropriate authorities. This could include a highway patrolman if driving, flight attendant if on an airline, security officer if shopping or in a hotel or police offer at any time.

15. Be alert at all times while driving. With holiday parties, there will be a number of intoxicated drivers on the road during Christmas. Make sure that you drive defensively and watch closely for other cars that may not be looking out for you.