Tips for Safe Christmas Travel on the Road

Before you drive over the mountain and through the woods to grandmother's house for a Christmas holiday, there are a few precautions that you should take in the event that you encounter some trouble along the way. These few simple precautions can be broken up into two groups. The first is the general condition of your automobile and the second are a few extra supplies that you can store in the trunk or rear section of your vehicle.

When preparing for a trip, take some time to review the condition of your car or have a certified mechanic check your car when you get a tune-up. Some things to pay particular attention to are:

Tread on your tires - make sure that they are in good condition with sufficient traction in the event that you are driving through wet or icy conditions. Depending on the area you are in, consider snow tires or even snow chains for your vehicle.

Battery - make sure that it is within the recommended age and that the terminals are clean.

Heater/defroster - ensure that it is in proper working order. Also check your windshield wipers and top off your windshield washer fluid.

Anti-freeze - it's a good idea to change it once a year but at the very least, check the concentration of antifreeze to water to be sure that it is sufficient for the area that you will be visiting.

Finally, fill the gas tank (a full gas tank helps prevent moisture/water buildup in the tank) and use a water remover such as "Heat".

After you have thoroughly checked your vehicle (or had it checked), there are some other precautions that you should take to aid in any mishaps or inclement weather that you may encounter. I like to pack all of my supplies into a plastic tote and store them in the winter. The few pounds of added weight pay off in the peace of mind that I have knowing that I am prepared to handle most situations that might come up.

Blanket - pack an extra blanket such as a wool or fleece blanket as they are more compact but warm and functional even if they get wet.

Warm Clothes - you don't have to wear them in the car, but an extra jacket will help if you get stranded on the side of the road in inclement weather. Gloves are a great idea too.

Food and snacks - I like power bars because they pack a bunch of energy in a small package. I'm also fond of an MRE (military Meals Ready to Eat) now and then.

Water - a few bottles of water don't take up much space and can be used to top off a radiator. I prefer a few small bottles as opposed to one large container as they tend to freeze. To help prevent the frozen water from breaking the bottle, leave some air in the top of the bottle.

Wet wipes - these are great for cleaning sticky kids as well as functional toilet paper if nature should call at an inopportune time.

A small first aid kit - nothing fancy, just a good quality first aid kit with some band-aids, tape, gauze, pressure wrap, salve, burn cream, and a few aspirin, immodium AD, and Pepto-bismol. (You would be surprised how many camping trips, picnics, and vacations one of these might rescue from disaster).

Signaling device - road flares are tricky, I like the orange reflective triangles as they have an unlimited lifespan and aren't dangerous. A flag, plastic sheet, or cloth of brightly colored material such as blaze orange is also useful for flagging down rescue workers.

Bag of salt - for helping with traction if you get stuck on ice or snow.

Bag of sand - for helping with traction if you get stuck on ice or snow.

Snow shovel - I carry a military style folding shovel that may be a bit small but it's functional and doesn't take up space.

Candle in a can - I carry a coffee can with an emergency candle and some matches. This will help bring some warmth and comfort if you have to spend the night stranded in your vehicle.

Flashlight - for signaling, checking the engine, or finding your other supplies. I like to keep this in the glove compartment where it's handy to get to.

Finally, before departing, make sure that someone is aware of your travel plans and that you check with them. Carry a cell phone and a car charger and check to make sure that the battery is charged before you leave. Check the weather for the route that you are taking and avoid weather conditions that you are not experienced or comfortable driving in. During the holiday seasons, it is a good idea to take a little extra time to prepare for safe travel to insure that you have a safe trip to and from your vacation destination.