Christmas Caution

Christmas and Holiday travel season will kick into high gear this weekend.  Many experts are divided about the effect of lower gas prices on the amount of travelers expected on the highways this season.  Some are predicting a significant increase due to lower fuel costs while others are suggesting the savings consumers have realized will be spent on air travel instead.  In either case, we should all be a little extra cautious as we take to the roads this time of year.

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Rather than bore everyone with the same tired routine of traffic challenges, let me name a few that may or may not have crossed your mind.

• Inexperienced drivers taking the wheel.  With the trip to Grandma's house comes an opportunity to let Junior have a first crack at highway driving.  In November a Texas family traveling to Florida was decimated when the teen driver fell asleep at the wheel killing several, including both parents.  Mom and Pop may feel it is a good time to see how the next generation can handle the road, but it could end up in disaster if something goes wrong.
• The same illustration works well for my next point.  Sleep deprivation.  Heading out on vacation after a stressful week at work, or too many hours baking sugar cookies can make for a bad experience when the driver nods off behind the wheel. Do yourself a favor and be well rested when you depart, and keep an eye on your driver if you are in the passenger seat.
• The Christmas wine-er.  While the family loves to get together, for some it may be the only time of the year they indulge.  While a glass of Chardonnay seems safe in itself, for a once-a-year drinker, it can dull the senses.  Make sure you are sober if behind the wheel, and keep an eye on the the road for the unexpected.  

Hopefully everyone enjoys the opportunity to spend the Christmas holiday with family or loved ones, and remembers to so safely.