The holidays are here! This is a time we look forward to all year long, as the holidays bring friends and family together from near and far. This is also the time when traffic increases significantly on the roads, making it difficult to drive safely. Here in the Dayton area, you will not only encounter heavy traffic but also difficult weather conditions and limited daylight. Keep reading for tips from us at Lexus of Dayton on driving safely and making the most of your holiday journeys. Need a safe, dependable, and comfortable vehicle for your festive travel? Browse our inventory of new Lexus vehicles near Dayton, Ohio, then visit our Centerville Lexus dealership for a test drive before Santa arrives.
Six Top Road Travel Tips for the Holidays
1. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape.
Even before you start the trip, you must make sure that your vehicle is in good condition to travel. This is especially important if you are driving in winter conditions. As a precautionary measure, check the weather conditions before heading out to ensure that the roads are safe. While you are at it, don't forget to invest in a windshield scraper!
Is your dash lighting up like a Christmas tree? Schedule a service appointment with our expert Lexus technicians before you hit the road. Our team will have your vehicle repaired and ready to go before you know it, and you can relax in our comfortable customer lounge and enjoy refreshments while you wait.
2. Make sure you are well-rested.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as many as 693 people were killed due to drowsy driving-related crashes in 2022 (source). Therefore, you must always sleep well before you take a long drive and take breaks along the way. If you have more drivers, then plan the trip in such a way that you share the driving and take regular breaks along the way. Pay special attention to your alertness if you're driving overnight on quiet, rural roads or highways. If you start to doze off, pull over and take a break.
3. Keep your speed in check.
Never drive close to other cars on the road. Driving safety entails that you must leave plenty of time and distance to react safely to the vehicles around you. The faster you go, the harder it will be to stop in time to avoid a collision.
4. Stay in control as you drive.
It can be exhausting to drive amid the holiday rush, and the frustration of winter road conditions doesn't help. However, for your own safety and that of the passengers in the car, you must always let the impatient drivers get ahead of you so that you can stay in control of your driving situation. Keep to the speed limit and don't let other drivers pressure you into driving dangerously. In a similar vein, keep in-car distractions to a minimum as much as you can. It can be fun to crank up the tunes and have a sing-along as you drive, but it's most important to arrive safely. If you feel your attention slipping, turn down the radio and keep your eyes on the road.
5. Never mix drinking with driving.
If you are planning to drink while driving, here's our advice: Don't. However, that is not to say that you cannot enjoy holiday refreshments on your road trip - just be sure that you have a designated driver who will not partake in the activity for the sake of others.
6. Don't use your phone while driving.
When driving, keep your phone on silent so that you are not distracted by calls and text messages. If you must make a call, then pull over, finish your call, and then resume driving. Taking your eyes off the road, especially on winter roads, can spell huge disaster. Driving is a task that requires 100% attention. So, don't be tempted to text/call when you are on the driver’s seat.
Ready to upgrade to a new vehicle? We have many new Lexus models in stock that are equipped with technology and driver assistance features that will make your life easier, especially when driving long distances. For example, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come with all new Lexus vehicles, and there are many standard and available safety features offered as part of the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 that will help you stay alert and aware as you drive. Visit Lexus of Dayton today, and our team will be happy to tell you more about any new Lexus for sale on our lot.