Are you and your family planning to drive to a holiday get-together this year? As we begin the busiest travel season of the year, the Georgia Department of Administrative Services’ Risk Management Division offers some simple tips to help make your drive to spend time with family and friends a smooth one, so you can arrive at your destination safely and without incident.

• Check behind vehicles before moving
• Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
• Make sure your vehicle is in good repair
• Reduce speed, especially during inclement weather
• If you drink, don’t drive
• Always use safety belts and child safety seats
• Plan your trip – Give yourself plenty of time and schedule rest stops and activities for small children
• Leave an itinerary with a friend so that someone will know where you are
• Keep your cell phone charged
• Don’t overload your vehicle or obstruct your view with luggage and/or packages
• Avoid eating heavy meals right before driving, as this can lead to sleepiness
• Get a good night’s sleep before traveling

To reinforce the point, here’s a helpful infographic from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:

In case you encounter inclement weather, carry an emergency kit that contains:

• First-aid supplies
• Blankets
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Flares
• A shovel
• Quick-energy foods, nutrition bars, or dried fruits and nuts and water
• Sand, salt or cat litter for traction