Holiday Driving Hazards to Avoid

By JENNIFER CIPRIANO, BSN, RN, CMSRN

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for some it can turn into the most tragic. Generally, there are higher fatality rates during holiday periods than non-holiday periods and many of these deaths could have been prevented.

Follow these road safety tips this holiday season:

Make buckling up a habit for everyone in the car.

  • Buckle up in every seat, on every trip, no matter how short.
  • Buckle children in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. These have been proven to reduce the risk of injury in a car crash by up to 80%.

Drive without distractions.

  • No text message or playlist is worth the risk of taking your eyes off the road.
  • Set your GPS to voice activated so you can concentrate on driving without having to look at your phone.

Expect the unexpected when you are driving.

  • Secure loose objects. Put hot foods, large gifts and anything that could fly around in a crash in the trunk.
  • Watch out for small kids and distracted drivers in parking lots that are busier than usual during the holidays.

Never drive under the influence.

  • Choose not to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and help others do the same.
  • Plan to use a driver or car service to make sure you get home safely if you drink alcohol.

SOURCE: Safe Kids Worldwide & CDC

About the Author

Jennifer Cipriano, BSN, RN, CMSRN, is the Trauma Continuum of Care Coordinator for Lakeland Regional Health.

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