Red Cross Offers Top 10 Holiday Driving and Travel Tips

Travelers
should plan ahead and expect delays as
they head to destinations
PORTLAND, Ore., November 20, 2017 — Millions
of people are expected to travel over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and
the American Red Cross is offering tips travelers can follow as they visit
loved ones over the long weekend.
“More
vehicles are expected on the highways, which can mean travel hazards and delays,”
said Candace Horter, Regional Chief Executive Officer. “Planning ahead and
staying alert will help you get to your holiday destination safely.”
DRIVING
SAFETY
1.     Make sure your car is in good condition
for a road trip (free of maintenance issues).
2.     Pack an emergency preparedness kit and
supplies in the trunk.
3.     Share travel plans with a family member
or friend.
4.     Check the weather along your route and
plan for travel around any storms that may be coming.
5.     Be well rested and alert.
6.     Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive
while impaired.
7.     Follow the rules of the road and use
caution in work zones.
8.     Give your full attention to the road.
Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
9.     Make frequent stops. During long trips,
rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
10.  If you have car trouble, pull as far off
the road as possible.


OTHER SAFETY TIPS
Winter
weather:
  • Keep the car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel
    line from freezing.
  • Pull over and stay with your vehicle. Do not try to walk to safety.
  • Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for
    rescuers to see.
  • Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep
    the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
  • Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help
    rescuers see the vehicle.
  • Keep one window slightly open – away from the blowing wind – to let in
    air.
Public
transportation and preventing the spread of the flu virus:
  • Everything
    you touch is likely touched by someone else – luggage, seats, etc. – which
    is how germs are spread.
  • Handle your own
    belongings. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Carry hand sanitizer
    and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or
    wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
  • Bring your own pillows
    and blankets – they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
  • Avoid touching your
    face or eyes.     If you have to cough or
    sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.
DOWNLOAD
RED CROSS APPS
People
can download the Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to weather alerts
for their area and where loved ones live. Expert medical guidance and a
hospital locator are included in the First Aid App in case travelers encounter
any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.
  
About the American Red
Cross
The American Red Cross
shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters;
supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save
lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members
and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends
on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or find us on Facebook
at Facebook.com/RedCrossCascades, Twitter at @RedCrossCasc and find us on
Instagram at @RedCrossCascades.