Holiday Travel Safety

As we draw closer to the holiday season, more people start making travel plans to spend the holidays with their families and friends. During the Thanksgiving holiday alone, the number of long-distance travelers increases by 54 percent, with 94 percent of those traveling by personal vehicle, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. More road travel means more motor vehicle accidents.

Although you may not be involved in an accident, there are dangers when responding to the scene. Since November 2013, Texas fire departments have reported 65 injuries resulting from a firefighter driving or riding in a vehicle, 19 injuries reported as a result of performing extrication, as well as 674 reports of injuries while providing EMS care.

Whether you are the one doing the traveling or the one responding to travel-related incidents, be sure to take whatever safety measures on the road that are needed to help ensure the safety of yourself and of others.

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The Texas Department of Transportation urges drivers to:

·         Limit or even prohibit the use of cell phones while driving, depending on the area.

·         Obey all traffic lights and road signs.

·         Maintain a reasonable speed based on traffic and weather conditions.

·         Always wear your seatbelt in order to avoid a fine or worse.

AAA has some holiday road-trip survival tips as well:

·         Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. If maintenance is not up to date, have your car and tires inspected before you take a long drive.

·         Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads during the most popular times of the year. If possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic.

·         Keep anything of value in the trunk or covered storage area.

·         If you’re traveling with children, remind them not to talk to strangers. Go with them on bathroom breaks and give them whistles to be used only if the family gets separated.

·         Have roadside assistance contact information on hand, in case an incident occurs on the road.

·         In case of an emergency, keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times. AAA and many other companies offer smartphone applications that enable motorists to request help without making a phone call.

Additionally, inclement weather such as ice and snow can pose its own risks to safe travel. Travelsense.org advises:

·         Have your car examined before you leave

·         Be prepared for a change in course.

·         Stay hydrated for the journey.

·         Pack a winter safety kit for the car.

·         Make frequent rest stops.

It’s important to comply with your departments SOPs regarding responding to incidents safely. An increase in motor vehicle accidents and injuries doesn’t have to mean an increase in fire fighter injuries as well. Be sure to visit our Resource Library for informational videos on vehicle safety. Happy Holidays and, as always, take care of yourselves and be safe out there.