Random Holiday Driving Advice

With the holiday season upon us, it's important to alter our driving habits and pay closer attention to the roads. In this article, we offer useful advice to make your driving a little less stressful this holiday season. If you're a new driver -- or a driver still taking driver's ed -- you'll find these tips especially helpful as you practice your driving habits in real-world environments.

Beware of Increased Pedestrian Traffic

With Christmas break right around the corner, you're going to see a lot more young children playing in their neighborhoods. From the north to the south -- from snowball fights to a game of catch -- children love to congregate outside while they're not in school.

As a driver's ed student -- or as an experienced driver - you must take extra precautions while traveling through neighborhoods. In driver's education, you're taught to always watch out for pedestrians. This time of year, it's even more important to watch out for young people playing outside. Be aware of children who may jump out into the street to fetch a ball. Be on the lookout for kids who might not be able to tell where their snow-covered front yard ends and where the snow-covered road begins. Remember, road safety is paramount.

Be Aware of Cchanging Road Conditions

Christmas is synonymous with snow. Even parts of California have reported snowfall in December at one time or another. As the snow falls, you need to alter your driving habits. If your driver's education course didn't teach you how to drive in colder environments and it's snowing in your usually warm area, consider staying inside. Cold weather can create slippery road conditions. If you must drive, reduce your speed and don't follow too close to the vehicle ahead of you. You never know when you'll need to slam on the brakes.

Watch Out For Drunk Drivers

It's sad but true. As more and more people attend holiday parties, more and more idiots will make the mistake of driving drunk -- throwing everything they've ever learned in driver's education out the window and ignoring common sense. That's unsafe driving at it's worst. It's a stupid move, but it happens. If you notice a drunk driver on the road, call the police. You could help prevent a serious accident.

Be Aware of What's Going On Inside Your Car

Whether you're an experienced driver or a new driver fresh out of driver's ed, it's important to be aware of what's going on inside your vehicle. During the holiday season, it's common for friends to travel together. It's imperative that you keep driver safety at top of mind. Whether a long distance road trip is in the cards or whether you're traveling to the local ice skating rink down the street, you might find yourself driving friends and family out of the city or across town.

Remember what you were taught in driver's ed: Passenger safety comes first. Ensure that all passengers in your vehicle have their seatbelts fastened. If someone chooses not to wear a seatbelt, refuse to move the car out of park. Chances are, if they're threatened with losing their ride, they'll buckle up pretty quickly.

Have Fun Out There!

The holidays are a time for celebration. So fasten your seatbelt, drive safe, and have a great time out there -- no matter where you're headed and whom you're headed there with.