{"id":6154,"date":"2021-12-03T18:18:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-03T18:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=6154"},"modified":"2024-11-21T06:42:08","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T06:42:08","slug":"save-drivers-save-more-on-car-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/driving-safety\/save-drivers-save-more-on-car-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Traveling Tips for the Holidays: Safe Drivers Save More on Car Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Before you hit the road on your holiday vacation, keep this in mind: safe drivers save more on car insurance<\/a>! When you\u2019re a conscientious driver, you have a better chance of keeping your family and vehicle safe (not to mention other people on the road). Car insurance companies appreciate that, so they provide you with lower rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s imperative to follow the rules and drive defensively during the holidays. The National Safety Council<\/a> estimates that in 2020, 485 people died on the roads during Thanksgiving, 384 people died on the roads on New Year\u2019s Day, and 340 people died on the roads during Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be a part of that number. Use these safe holiday driving tips to keep yourself free from harm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Don\u2019t Drink and Drive <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Drivers who do not drink and drive<\/a> are more likely to save on their insurance premiums. You may be tempted to have a seasonal cocktail or two at a holiday party or dinner, but make sure to stay sober if you\u2019re the one driving. To keep everyone safe, assign someone to be the designated driver so there are no miscommunications later in the night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Skip the Distractions <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Is Aunt Sally texting to let you know to pick up an extra carton of eggnog before you come over for dinner? Distractions while you\u2019re driving can be deadly. That\u2019s why it\u2019s best to keep your phone on \u201cdo not disturb\u201d until you arrive at your destination. That way, you won\u2019t be tempted to check for last-minute texts or emails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Check the Weather Conditions <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Late fall and winter weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you\u2019re prepared before you hit the road. Always check the forecast so you know what to expect. If snow or ice is in the mix<\/a>, consider delaying your trip until the storm passes and the plow trucks have time to work their magic. Or, if there\u2019s no avoiding it, make sure to go slow and give yourself plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Perform Routine Maintenance Before You Go <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before any road trip, you should always perform routine maintenance on your car, and that\u2019s especially true in winter. Cold air has a propensity to deflate tires and drain car batteries. Double-check that these are in good shape before you hit the road. You\u2019ll also want to make sure your wiper blades are good in case you hit a rainstorm or snowstorm, your brakes are working, and you have enough oil and other fluids. <\/p>\n\n\n

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5. Switch to Winter Tires <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An additional way to stay safe on the road is switching to winter tires. These are specifically designed with slick roads and low temperatures in mind. They\u2019ll give you extra traction on snow and ice to reduce your chances of losing control of your vehicle. If you live in an extremely snow-heavy area, you may even want to keep a set of chains in your car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Pack an Emergency Kit <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If the worst happens and you\u2019re in an accident, you need to make sure you have supplies to hold you over until help arrives. An emergency kit<\/a> should include necessities like food, water, and a first aid kit. Since it will also be winter, you may also want to include extra jackets, hats, and gloves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Take Breaks When Needed <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Long stretches on the road can be exhausting, especially when you stayed up too late the previous night celebrating with friends and family. If you feel yourself drifting off, don\u2019t try to power through it. Instead, pull over and either take a short nap or switch drivers. It\u2019s just too risky to keep going, as you may fall asleep at the wheel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Don\u2019t Overeat <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of falling asleep at the wheel, you may feel tired like this if you eat too much. After stuffing yourself on holiday turkey, ham, and all the other fixings, it\u2019s only natural to want to curl up and enter a food coma. Limiting your food intake to normal portions may help you stay more alert while driving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Hit the Roads Before or After the Rush <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The roads often get a lot busier around the holidays, as you\u2019re not the only one road-tripping to see loved ones. Unfortunately, more traffic makes the roads less safe. To combat this, see if you can plan your trip a few days before or after the holiday rush. For example, rather than drive the day before Christmas, see if you can try three days before instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safe Drivers Save More on Car Insurance, but There Are Additional Ways to Save <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Safe drivers usually get low-cost auto<\/a> insurance, so that\u2019s always something you should strive to accomplish. However, being safe isn\u2019t the only reason you can get a discount<\/a>. Some of the other ways you can save big this holiday include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n