By Melanie Becker-Donovan, The Roswell Daily Record — Taking a few precautions before leaving home and while on the road can help make holiday trips safer.
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, many residents will travel to visit family and friends. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has good advice for travelers from Chaves County and beyond.
Before departing, motorists should check their vehicles’ tires, brakes, batteries, lights and windshield wipers to ensure they are ready for the trip. Drivers should also check weather forecasts and road conditions, allow extra time for travel and pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, blankets, a flashlight and a first-aid kit.
On the road, drivers should wear seat belts, obey posted speed limits and avoid distractions, including texting while driving. Anyone planning to drink alcohol should arrange for a designated driver rather than getting behind the wheel. Drivers should also take breaks during long trips and avoid driving when tired. It could even be beneficial to have more than one person that can drive so driving is evenly distributed and one can rest while the other drives.
Winter weather can create hazardous road conditions, including icy surfaces and reduced visibility. Motorists should slow down when conditions deteriorate, increase the distance between vehicles and postpone nonessential travel when severe weather makes driving unsafe.
Some handy items to carry in a vehicle include, but are not limited to a snow shovel, and broom and ice scraper for snow removal. For better traction it is advised to use abrasive materials such as sand or kitty litter in case the vehicle gets stuck somewhere. Jumper cables, a flashlight and warning devices like flares or emergency markers are handy in an emergency situation.
A first aid kit may be a good idea for any unplanned injuries, blankets for cold protection and bottled water and non-perishable food in case of being stranded. Also, a cell phone and charger for communication are important to have handy. If there is no reception, it is advised to find a clearing or hill to get a satellite connection for an emergency call or text to someone to call for help.
Planning ahead and making safety a priority can help families enjoy the holidays and reach their destinations safely. For road conditions, closures and travel advisory, visit the Road Advisory System for the State of New Mexico.
Share this story and start a conversation
