For safe travel during the Christmas and New Year holidays
We are sharing several advices for responsible and safe driving during the festive season to enjoy seamless journeys and wonderful holidays.
Since the beginning of the month we are in the high festive season and every day more people are travelling to share special moments with their families and close people.
Here are a few tips from ALD Automotive for responsible behavior on the road during the holiday season:
1. Against fatigue: long gatherings with friends and relatives during the holiday season are pleasant, but they can also be exhausting. This is why it is important to rest as much as possible before a long trip so we can be fresh behind the wheel. Moreover, be sure to plan short stops during the trip to allow you rest and stretch.
2. Avoid excessive amounts of food: during the holidays it is normal to enjoy plenty of food, but it is still important not to overeat immediately before a trip. Driver concentration is a key factor in road safety, but it decreases significantly immediately after eating.
3. Limit certain foods: there are foods that can negatively affect the quality of driving and make us drowsy and not enough attentive. It is therefore a good idea to avoid fatty, high-calorie foods and those high in sugar before getting behind the wheel.
4. No alcohol behind the wheel: naturally, the consumption of alcohol and any drugs is completely prohibited before driving.
5. Be careful with taking anti-flu and other medications: during the winter season we often have to take various medications related to colds, flu, and other diseases. It is very important to read carefully the leaflet of the medication we are taking, because it is possible that among the side effects, drowsiness and others that may negatively affect our driving may be present.
Along with avoiding fatigue before a road trip, it is also key to remember basic driving habits for a safer journey:
1. Don't use your phone: focusing on the road is top priority while driving - that's why we should put off talking on the phone and exchanging messages until later.
2. Wear seat belts: it is by no means an exaggeration to claim that wearing seat belts saves lives - seat belts are paramount to preventing injuries in the event of an accident, and all passengers should wear them.
3. Check the car: it's important to check that the car is in the best condition before setting off - including tyres, brakes, lights and everything else you need - especially at this time of year when adverse conditions can affect driving.
4. Always follow the traffic rules: to travel safely you always need to follow the speed limits and all traffic rules.
5. Plan the journey: before setting off, especially on a long journey, it is important to check road conditions and the weather beforehand and plan your route to reduce stress and unforeseen situations.
You can also read ALD Automotive's special detailed article on the specifics of winter driving here.