GEICO advises travelers to be careful this holiday season

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Whether flying or driving, remember these important safety tips

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 16, 2009 – It's that time of year again! Holiday parties, visits with family and friends and even some long-distance road trips. GEICO advises all holiday travelers plan their trips carefully and to be extra cautious when they're on the road:

  • Always wear safety belts. This is true regardless of the season—and it's the law. Be sure that all passengers—even those in the back seat—are buckled up as well.  
  • Allow extra time. If you think the road conditions may be bad or you might hit traffic, give yourself extra time for your trip.  You won't have to rush and you can concentrate on driving safely. 
  • Slow down and allow more distance between vehicles. When driving in traffic or bad weather, always reduce your speed well in advance of an anticipated stop. If you have an anti-lock brake system, experts recommend applying steady, firm pressure to the brake pedal. If you do not have an anti-lock brake system, apply firm pressure to the brake pedal to a point just before locking.
  • Get fueled up—you and your vehicle. If you're planning a long trip in potentially bad weather or traffic, pack snack foods and water and always remember to keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent freezing your fuel lines.  You never know when holiday conditions will make a long trip an even longer one.
  • Store a vehicle safety kit in your trunk with the following emergency equipment: for those traveling in more wintery locations, be sure to have flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, matches, jumper cables, flares, a shovel and snow scraper, a bag of sand, a basic tool kit, a hat, gloves, rain gear and blanket or sleeping bag.
  • Be prepared for anything. Keep your auto insurer's number handy in case you need roadside assistance.

For more information on safe driving, visit GEICO's Auto Safety page.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States.* GEICO provides auto insurance coverage for 10 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and mobile homes. Coverage for life, boats, homes and apartments is available through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.

*A.M. Best

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