Holiday Driving Safety: Road Trip Tips and Auto Insurance Essentials

By the Mercury Team

It’s time to hit the road. Whether it’s off to grandmother’s house you go, or you’re ditching the family gatherings for a ski vacation, you’ll be in good company among all the other drivers heading off to their own festivities. While these journeys can be joyful, they also come with increased risks - particularly winter weather challenges - such as icy roads, snow, and limited visibility. Here are some holiday driving tips that will get you safely from home to your final destination — and back home again.

Why Holiday Driving Safety Matters

According to the National Safety Council’s latest data, there were 116 motor vehicle fatalities on Christmas Day 2021 and 122 deaths on New Year’s Day. More drivers on the road means more potential for traffic accidents. Add wintry conditions, earlier darkness, longer-than-normal distances traveled, and fatigue, and you have a recipe for potential accidents.

Holiday Driving Safety Tips for Stress-Free Travel

However, the holiday travel season doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. With a little preparation on the front end and some practical winter driving safety tips, you and your family can have a jolly holiday — even with a few traffic jams along the way.

Plan Your Route and Schedule

While not all traffic is avoidable, using your GPS or other real-time traffic app — even just driving across your hometown — can alert you of any delays and potentially offer you a better, faster route. For those longer-distance road trips, check both the map for areas of construction that may cause slowdowns and keep an eye on the weather forecast, potentially adjusting the time you leave home before a big snowstorm or heavy band of rain hits.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving

You spend plenty of time making sure the kids have all the snacks and entertainment, but, more importantly, you’ll want to check everything in and around your car. Do the tires need extra air, particularly if you’re going from a warmer climate to a cold one? Is your antifreeze at the proper level? Do all your lights work, and are your windshield wipers in good condition?
And what happens if there’s an unexpected emergency on the road and you get stuck? Always carry an emergency kit complete with jumper cables or a jump-start device, a tire gauge and inflator, and flashing lights or flares.

Drive Cautiously and Defensively

It’s natural to want to get to your destination ASAP, but if you want to arrive alive, you’ll need to drive safely. Your first holiday driving safety tip: Slow down! Reduced speed not only gives you more control but also buys you extra time to react to surprises on the road, whether an icy patch or debris on the road. Keep your distance by increasing the gap between you and the car ahead to help prevent sudden stops from turning into accidents. And be sure to ditch the distractions. While you can’t get rid of the chatty kids, you can turn the music down, keeping your eyes focused on the road — and not your phone. Staying focused on the road keeps you, your passengers, and everyone else out and about safer.

Auto Insurance Essentials for Holiday Travel

Roadside emergencies, fender benders in a parking lot while shopping for gifts, or weather-related accidents all require auto insurance. Here’s what you need to know before you set out on your holiday adventures.

Verify Your Coverage Before Hitting the Road

When you’re making those packing lists — and checking them twice — you also want to make sure you review your auto insurance policy. Does it include essential features like roadside assistance and rental car coverage? Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver if you experience a breakdown or flat tire during your trip, while rental car coverage can keep you mobile if your vehicle needs unexpected repairs during holiday travel.

If you’re traveling longer distances during the holiday season, it might be worth considering an upgrade to your coverage. Many insurers offer temporary policy adjustments that can provide extra peace of mind for long trips. For instance, you might consider increasing your liability limits or adding comprehensive coverage if you don’t already have it.

Save with Auto Insurance Discounts

While reviewing your policy, don’t forget to explore potential auto insurance discounts that could save you money. When you’re looking for ways to save money with cheap auto insurance, many insurers offer a variety of discounts that can significantly reduce your premiums. These may include bundling home and auto, maintaining a clean driving record, installing anti-theft devices into your vehicle, completing a defensive driving course, and being a good student. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can potentially offset the cost of any coverage upgrades you decide to make for your holiday travel.

Emergency Preparedness for Holiday Travel

The car is packed, the oil is changed, and gifts are piled in the trunk. In addition to suitcases, you’ll need to stock a few essentials in the event you get stranded.

Must-Have Items in Your Car

Keeping these items in your vehicle is a must during the holidays, but you should consider stocking these any time of the year:

• Blankets to stay warm if you’re stranded in cold weather.
• A flashlight to illuminate dark areas and signal for help.
• Water to hydrate if you have to wait for assistance.
• Snacks or food if you’re stuck in traffic or stranded on the side of the road.
• First aid kit to treat minor injuries if needed.
• Phone chargers to keep devices powered for communication and navigation.

What to Do in Case of an Accident

No one wants a mishap on their holiday trip, but if you know what to do in the event of an emergency situation, it’ll make everything go more smoothly.

• Try to stay calm. Panicking only makes things worse.
• Call 911 for assistance. Give them as much detail about your location and the accident as you can.
• Assess the situation. Check for injuries and move to safety if possible.
• Exchange information. Share contacts and insurance details and take note of license plates.
• Document the scene. Snap photos and videos, and gather witness statements if it’s safe to do so.
• Contact your insurance provider. Report the incident and follow their guidance for the next steps.

Having reliable auto insurance is crucial for peace of mind during holiday travels. It not only ensures financial protection but also provides support in managing stressful situations. Before you head out, double-check that your policy is up to date and that your insurance card and registration are in your glove box.

Winter Driving Safety

Holiday traveling safety starts with preparation. From packing essential items to knowing how to handle unexpected situations, being ready can make all the difference. Preventive vehicle maintenance and comprehensive auto insurance can also give you peace of mind and a (mostly) stress-free experience no matter where the road takes you. Contact us today for a fast, free quote!