The holiday season is here, and that means one thing, spending lots of time with loved ones! I’m especially excited to visit my family this week, but sometimes long drives can be daunting. If you’re gearing up for a long road trip this winter, make sure to expect the unexpected. You never know if you’ll experience a flat tire, carsickness, or a deer crossing. That is why I’m here to give you some helpful road trip advice this holiday season.
1. Flat Tires-
We’ve all experienced the occasional flat tire, and if you haven’t, your time will come. One thing that is important to remember is to bring a spare! Nothing is worse than being stranded in the middle of nowhere with no cellphone reception. Make sure to keep in the back of your trunk a jack, a tire iron or lug wrench, and a spare tire.
For advice on changing your tire quickly, visit my previous post located here:
How to Change a Tire Quickly
2. Carsickness-
When I was a kid on long winding road trips, my mother use to say, “Eyes on the road!.” Carsickness is caused by your body sensing a difference between what you see and what you feel. Looking at the road can balance your inner ear, making you feel less nauseous. If that doesn’t help, try short breaks, and make sure to take deep breaths through your mouth. Breathing deeply has been known to relax the stomach. Also try bringing candy canes for your little ones! Peppermint candy has been known to cure or relieve carsickness, and they will also put you in the holiday spirit.
3. Oh Deer!-
Santa’s furry friend could be out walking around at the same time your traveling to your grandmother’s house. Hitting a deer or a moose could be fatal, not only to the animal, but also to you and your passengers. Here are some tips to avoid a collision this holiday season.
First tip, read the signs. Deer collisions most often occur in prime animal habitat locations. Road signs will warn you where these animal habitat areas are located. Make sure to reduce your speed, and be cautious of your surroundings.
Second tip, use your high beams. When there are no oncoming cars, using your high beams will most likely scare the animal. Plus the light will illuminate more of the area that you are traveling through.
Finally, if a deer comes in front of your car, do not swerve, but instead brake firmly.
Wishing you and you loved ones a fun and safe road experience this holiday season!
