It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but for those planning a Thanksgiving weekend commute, you won’t be singing the popular carol for long. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and National Safety Council agree that Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest and most dangerous of the year. How can you keep your ‘Vette or Caddie safe during your long weekend travels? RB Auto Service offers the following advice.
Take Care of You
Once you’ve confirmed your plans, hop onto a mapping program, or do it the old-fashioned way and pull out paper maps, and plan two routes to your destination. The first route should be the primary one, with the second route an alternate one just in case there are unanticipated road closures or other problems. Plan several stops along each route for rest and to get out of the car to move around.
Pack early; don’t stay up all night the night before you leave packing your suitcase. According to both federal administrations, if you drive when you’re tired you’re basically driving as if you were drunk. Make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before each travel day so you’re rested and refreshed behind the wheel. When you get tired on the road, stop and rest or switch drivers so you can rest in the car.
Drive defensively with an eye on everything going on around at all times. Keep in mind that this weekend has more cars on the roads than most others. People will be driving aggressively, drunk, and carelessly. Stay on top of your driving and obey all speed limits and traffic laws. Keep distractions to a minimum, too, as distracted driving is also as dangerous at times as drunk driving is.
Take Care of Your Car
Don’t leave on your road trip without an inspection and service first. Make sure your Corvette or Cadillac will not only get you to and from your destination, but that it will also do it safely and reliably. If you have any maintenance that is due or almost due, have the work done now to avoid complications and unnecessary wear and tear. This is particularly important if you need a new set of tires.
Common problems on Thanksgiving weekend roads include an increase in automobile accidents, overheated engines, flat tires, and even dead batteries. You can avoid all of these problems and more by letting RB Auto Service in Pinellas Park, FL, service your ‘Vette or Caddie before your trip.
