Plan before you leave:
- Take advantage of easy-to-use, real-time travel information sources that will help you plan the best route and time to travel. Traveling during non-peak commuting periods can reduce travel time as much as 37 percent compared to trips during peak rush hours.
- Check 511 telephone services and travel information web sites for updates on traffic jams, road construction, lane closures, severe weather and travel times on interstates and major highways.
- FHWA's web site at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/ contains links to information on weather and road conditions and the availability of travel web sites and 511 telephone services.
- Factor in additional travel time if driving through congested areas or inclement weather.
Safety comes first:
- Always buckle up. In 2004, an estimated 55 percent of those killed in passenger vehicle crashes were not wearing safety belts.
- Don't tailgate. For every 10 mph of speed, stay at least one vehicle length behind the vehicle in front of you.
- On icy roads, you should allow at least three times more space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Remember that bridges and overpasses are usually the first to freeze in cold conditions.
- Slow down during bad weather. Each year, there are approximately 6,500 fatalities and 450,000 injuries from crashes that occur during bad weather.
- Use child safety seats properly.
- Obey speed limits.
- Slow down in construction zones and pay attention to warning signs and road crew flaggers.
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