Trucking group offers advice for safe holiday road travel

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and professional drivers from the organization’s Share the Road highway safety program have published a list of 11 tips to help drivers travel safely over the holiday season.

“Inclement weather conditions on the road create driving hazards that require extra caution when traveling during the holidays,” said ATA Share the Road professional truck driver Darrien Henderson of J&M Tank Lines Inc. “That is why it is important to follow the safety guidelines to ensure you make it safely to your holiday destination.”

The ATA list includes the following advice.

1. Buckle Up: Safety belts save lives. Day or night, and even if you are riding in the back seat – wear your safety belt.

2. Remove ice and snow from your vehicle: Clear your windows and roof of snow to ensure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Do not allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.

3. Slow down: A chance of a crash nearly triples when driving faster than surrounding traffic. Icy conditions can make the roads slippery, slowing down your vehicle will help you avoid losing control.

4. Do not drive impaired: There is much to celebrate this time of year during the holiday season. With that said, driving is a great responsibility, and your fellow travelers are relying on safe and attentive drivers to respectfully share the road and make good decisions.

5. Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you cannot see the professional truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the professional truck driver cannot see you.

6. Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents, especially among young drivers. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Never text while driving.

7. Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

8. Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that might strand motorists on the side of the road.

9. Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you will not be anxious about arriving late. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.

10. Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle ahead.

11. Understand congestion patterns: High traffic volumes lead to greater opportunities for accidents, so plan your trip to avoid traffic bottlenecks and increased traffic volumes.