The holiday season is a dangerous time to be on the road. People are rushing to get from point A to point B, idiots think it's OK to have five glasses of wine and get behind the wheel and icy weather make the roads really slick.
So how do you stay safe while driving during one of the happiest times of the year? Some of things you can do are quite simple while others involve good planning, but when it comes to driving safe, it shouldn't matter how much time it takes to prepare.
First off, make sure you vehicle is up-to-date by checking tire pressure, oil and anti-freeze, says AutoTrader. Also make sure you have an emergency kit including: a snow scraper, blankets and jumper cables.
Fort Meyers CBS news affiliate WINK News says once you're ready to hit the road, be prepared to drive defensively and be aware of the other cars around your own. If someone is tailgating you, slow down and they should go around you. Also, if someone is going too fast, stay far behind them. If they brake suddenly, you want to have plenty of room to avoid a collision.
When it comes to your own driving skills, there are a few preparations you can try to keep yourself alert. For example, overeating can make you tired, so avoid overindulging if you have to leave soon.
According to the National Safety Council, more than 600 people will die this season from drunk driving accidents, so it goes without saying that you shouldn't drink and drive. It endangers everyone near you, and can lead to death and jail time if you get caught.