JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. —
As the holiday season begins, the number of long-distance trips, beginning at Thanksgiving, are increased by as much as 54 percent compared to the rest of the year.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average Thanksgiving long-distance trip is 214 miles long, while Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel averages 275 miles or more.
“Thanksgiving is one of the top three holidays for travel with more than 40 million Americans driving 50 miles or more,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Maegann Styvar, 633rd Air Base Wing Safety Office safety technician. “More traffic accidents occur during the Thanksgiving holiday than Christmas or New Year's so it’s important to stay vigilant and safe.”
Styvar provided the following list of tips to ensure U.S. service members and their families remain safe and enjoy their holiday travel with as few issues as possible:
Inspect your vehicle and think about the weather that it will be encountering:
· Check tires for tears, bulges and the appropriate amount of tread and air pressure.
· Top off fluids and inspect brakes to make sure they aren’t worn.
· Check the battery to make sure it is strong and has clean terminals.
· Have an emergency kit with flares, water, blankets and food at a minimum.
During long-distance drive travel:
· Do not rush, avoid high travel speeds that can cause accidents.
· Take breaks when tired; Fatigue can be deadly.
· Avoid distracted driving like using cell phones and tablet.
· Know where you are going and how to get there - Unfamiliar roads can be dangerous and changing weather conditions can increase risks.
Travelers are also encouraged by the U.S. DOT to arrange for someone close to check on their home while they are away and avoid posting on social media to minimize risks of break-ins while travelers are out of town.
For more information contact the 633rd ABW Safety Office at Fort Eustis at 501-8224 or at Langley Air Force Base at 764-5057.