Travelling for Thanksgiving? Safety Tips for the Road.

The Cliff Cottam Insurance Team want to wish you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving means different things to different people, but typically calls for family and friends to come together to feast upon delicious food. It is a time for celebration and gratitude where everyone should be able to cherish his or her present moments without worries. But Thanksgiving is also one of the most dangerous days in the year to travel on the road, since many people will be driving to visit their families. AAA estimates that more than 43 million Americans travel over 50 miles from home over the holiday, up from last year. Americans are also expected to choose driving more often than flying to save costs. Cliff Cottam Insurance Services has some safety tips if you plan on hitting the road.

• Drive earlier to avoid traffic. Drive during the daylight to ensure full visibility of the road. Keep in mind that Wednesday is expected to be the busiest day to travel. Avoid road congestion to minimize your risk of any holiday accidents.
• Have a good night’s sleep beforehand. It is a good idea to take turns driving with the other people in your car, assuming they are old enough to drive and have a license. If you feel drowsy and have problems focusing on the road, find a safe place to take a 20-minute nap. Other ways to keep you awake while driving include drinking beverages with caffeine, blasting your music loudly, talking with your passengers, and rolling down the windows to get air blowing in your face.
• Don’t drink and drive. Have a designated sober driver if you plan on drinking. Early morning and late night are considered the worst times to drive as DUI-related accidents are most likely to occur during those periods of the day. Alcohol has also been known to ruin Thanksgiving get-togethers as impaired thinking could lead to unnecessary arguments and conflicts!
• Stock your car with an emergency kit. It is always a good idea to prepare for any weather conditions and the unexpected. A roadside emergency kit should have essentials such as food and water. Other things you should consider include warning lights, flashlights, jumper cables, and first aid kits. You could always buy pre-made emergency kits, but we encourage making your own customized version.

Lastly of course, make sure you are properly protected with auto insurance. With Cliff Cottam Insurance Services, we provide you free quotes for auto insurance from different companies (Mercury, Progressive, etc.). Just give us a call at (800) 807-6871 or visit our web site at www.ccisca.com. We will also be closed on November 21st, 22nd, and the 23rd for Thanksgiving. We hope these tips will keep you and your family safe this holiday season. Have a happy Thanksgiving!