Holiday travel will be probably be down this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, there is still bound to be a bit of chaos on the road because of winter weather, the holiday shopping rush, and distracted driving. As an auto body supplier, we always see an uptick in business around the holidays. The holidays always equal an increase in purchases of collision repair parts. Even though these collisions increase our business, we want to keep you safe! That’s why we’re going to give you 5 tips on avoiding holiday car collisions.

1.Don’t drive distracted!

This is a common cause of collisions even outside the holiday season. Leave texting for when you are parked or outside the vehicle and use a hands free device if you need to talk on the phone while driving. Cellphones are not the only cause of distracted driving. The frenzy of last minute holiday shopping within a pandemic is enough to distract even the most cautious driver. Keep you eyes on the road and stay alert.

2.Follow other vehicles at a safe distance.

Rear end collisions are the most common type of collision drivers experience. You should always stay at least 2 vehicle lengths behind a car and even more in winter weather. Waiting in holiday traffic can bore drivers and make them less alert. A lot of holiday traffic is stop and go and this is where collisions occur the most. Keep your eyes looking forward and if you are about to make a turn, don’t forget to use your signal.

3.Obey the speed limit.

Speed is often a large factor in many collisions. There is always a rush factor with the holidays so try to remember to keep your speeds down. Speed also increases the danger factor in crashes. Collisions that are caused by speed are more likely to be deadly. You might be in a rush to deliver presents to family or attend the company holiday dinner but remember, the rush is not worth your life or someone else’s.

4.Don’t drive when you’re drowsy.

Studies have compared driving while tired to driving while buzzed from alcohol. The stress of the holidays can easily tire most people out. When you drive tired, your reaction time goes down as well as your judgement being impaired. Don’t drive if you’re tired, you may end up in a collision with another car or you may end driving off the road.

5.Plan out your holiday driving in accordance to the weather.

If there is severe winter snow or ice storm in the forecast, it might be better to stay home and purchase your gifts online. If you still have to drive in winter weather, make sure your tires are in good shape and that you drive slower than normal. It is a good idea to keep a winter related emergency kit in your car in case you do end up in an accident.