There’s no place like home for the holidays—make sure you arrive safely!

Ready or not, we are smack-dab in the middle of the holiday hustle and bustle. When you know you’ll be on the road for the holidays, stress takes over and many of us can’t think of anything besides that to-list. Between coordinating outfits for the family photo, nailing that fudge recipe, packing all the gifts into the car, finding road trip music everyone in the family enjoy, we sometimes forget the most important thing: Safety. 

We want your holiday season to be merry and bright. If you follow any checklist at all this year, let it be this one:

BEFORE YOUR TRIP:

• Map your route and make sure you understand all your directions clearly
• Look up weather forecasts for your current location, final destination, and a few points here and there along your journey
• Tell someone at your destination what time you set out on your trip and an estimated arrival time.

THINGS TO TRAVEL WITH:

• Emergency Kit: Fleece blankets, water, batteries, granola bars—stock up your emergency kit with the basics. For a comprehensive list of must-haves, click here.
• Patience! Remember that being in a hurry causes already-high stress levels to skyrocket. An emotionally distressed driver is just as distracted and dangerous as a driver under the influence of alcohol. 
• A backup plan. When you’re across the winter wonderland, it’s important to expect the unexpected. Set out on your journey with a few different options if weather doesn’t permit you to follow the route you originally planned on.