As we head into the heart of winter and the busy Christmas season, it’s important to stay in control while navigating icy roads and increased traffic.  Here are some tips to help you prepare and drive safely during these conditions:

Prepare Your Vehicle

• Check your tires: Ensure they have adequate tread and are properly inflated. 
• Maintain visibility: Keep your windshield, mirrors, and lights clear of snow and ice. Ensure your wiper blades are in good condition and your washer fluid is full.
• Emergency kit: Carry essentials like a scrapper, flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, and a first-aid kit in case of unexpected delays and emergencies.

Drive with Caution

• Slow down: Reduced traction on icy roads means you need more time to stop and turn safely.
• Increase following distance: Allow at least 6-8 seconds between you and the car ahead to give yourself enough reaction time.
• Use gentle movements: Avoid sudden braking, accelerating, or hard turning, which can cause skidding.

Be Mindful of Christmas Traffic

• Plan ahead: Allow extra time to reach your destination and consider alternate routes to avoid congested areas.
• Stay alert: Watch for distracted drivers and pedestrians, especially near shopping centers or busy areas.
• Take breaks: Rest every couple of hours to stay focused and refreshed.

Your safety is our top priority, and we want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.  For those taking vacation time next week, we hope you have a safe and Merry Christmas! 

Stay safe and warm,

CFP Safety and Wellness Committee

Here are 107 Million reasons about driving statistics for Christmas-time that you can use to impress your friends at the parties:

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  Holiday travel

  AAA forecasts that about 107 million people will drive to their holiday destinations between December 21 and January 1. 

   

  Fatalities

  The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 345 people will die on U.S. roads during the 2024 Christmas holiday period. This is similar to the 2023 estimate of 346 fatalities. 

   
• Drunk driving
• Christmas accounts for 36% of drunk driving fatalities. Drunk driving deaths account for about a third of all traffic fatalities, but this increases to nearly 50% on December 24th and December 31st. 

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