Holiday Travel Safety Tips

It’s that time of the year again. The holiday season has arrived! Holiday safety is an issue that burns brightest from late November to mid-January, when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel spikes. Most people look forward to a long holiday weekend as a chance to take off work and enjoy time with friends and family. Traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. In 2020, it is estimated 163 people died on New Year's Day, 485 on Thanksgiving Day, and for Christmas Day, it is estimated 340 lost their lives, according to Injury Facts.During this holiday season, the Denver Health Trauma and Injury Program would like to offer the following travel safety tips to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe during the holidays

Taking To The Road

1. Make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip.
2. Pack an emergency preparedness kit, supplies and a first aid kit in your vehicle.
3. Share travel plans with a family member or friend.
4. Check the weather before departing and along your route. Plan for travel around any storms that may be coming.
5. Be well rested and alert.
6. Buckle up, slow down and don’t drive impaired.
7. Make sure children are properly secured in car seats, booster seats and/or seatbelts
8. Follow the rules of the road and use caution in work zones.
9. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
10. Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
11. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

For additional information on holiday travel, please contact Missy Anderson at 303-602-7623 or injuryprevention@dhha.org