Wednesday is the drive up with thousands of other drivers on the road. Friday is Black Friday sales all over town. Sunday is the drive back home. Visiting with your family and a ton of delicious food is in between. Your annual Thanksgiving trip to your parents’ home can be stressful, especially since you’re driving instead of flying this year. Let The Shop Tire and Service Center get your car ready for the trip and also offer the following tips to keep you safe in the crazy, holiday weekend traffic.
Be More Responsible Than the Other Drivers
Know in advance that many people will leave late and be in a rush, be agitated with their kids and distracted by other things, be driving under the influence of alcohol, and be driving exhausted. Don’t be this driver. Plan your trip in advance and allow for plenty of time to get there and make rest stops on the way. Set your GPS to reroute you if there is trouble ahead on your current route. Sleep the night before – really sleep – and leave early. Avoid driving distractions and don’t drink on travel days.
Be Mindful of Other Drivers and Big Rigs
Drive defensively but also politely. Be mindful of the drivers around you and get out of the way if they are driving erratically or following too closely. Drive the way you want other drivers to drive around you. Obey speed limits and traffic laws, use your signals, do not tailgate, and don’t speed or weave through lanes. Be mindful of big rigs, too, as many of these drivers do not have the long weekend off. Give them plenty of space and do not cut them off or drive in their blind spots.
Make Sure You Don’t Have Car Trouble
You don’t want to get stuck behind a breakdown or accident and you don’t want to be the cause of an accident or breakdown yourself. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the road trip with service and repairs prior to your departure day. Any maintenance that is due should be done first and you should also pack emergency automotive supplies. For example, keep jumper cables in the trunk in case your battery dies and make sure you have the tools to change a flat tire if you get one.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from The Shop Tire and Service Center in Elk River, MN. Call our shop to schedule a service visit before you leave on your Thanksgiving weekend travels.