WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 21, 2011 – Whether hitting the road for a long weekend or simply taking the car for a quick spin, drivers are encouraged to be extra cautious this Thanksgiving season. With more drivers likely to be on the road this week than in past years, GEICO advises travelers to drive carefully and to take a few specific precautions:
- Prepare your car. Check your car’s wipers, tire pressure and levels of oil and coolant prior to your trip. Also make sure that you have a vehicle safety kit somewhere in your car.
- Plan your trip. Get directions or plug addresses into your GPS ahead of time, and allow extra time in case of traffic or other delays. Designate a navigator to guide your expedition and to make sure the driver is always distraction-free.
- Never drive in an altered state. It is never safe to drive if you’re drowsy or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Get a good night’s sleep before any long trip and pull over immediately to rest if you’re feeling overly tired. Even moderate consumption of alcohol can impair reaction time and judgment, so make sure to have a designated sober driver.
- Drive defensively. It’s especially important amid large masses of often anxious drivers to maintain safe speeds and allow more distance between vehicles. When driving in traffic or bad weather, always reduce your speed well in advance of an anticipated stop.
- Always wear seat belts. This is the law and should be followed regardless of the season, but be sure that all passengers are buckled up.
- Be prepared for anything. Keep your auto insurer’s number handy in case you need roadside assistance.
- Stay focused. It may be a long trip and you’ll want to break it up by texting or making cell phone calls. While cell phones can be very helpful in emergency situations, they can also be very distracting. Thanksgiving roadways will be loaded with traffic. Please stay focused.
For more information on safe driving, go to GEICO’s online auto safety library at http://geico.com/auto/safety/.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO's online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
