Heading Home for the Holidays? 6 Driving Safety Tips for Maryland Drivers
The holidays are a busy time on Maryland roads. Between trips to see family, last-minute shopping, and holiday gatherings, there's a lot of traffic to navigate. Add unpredictable winter weather or a long drive home after a celebration, and even a familiar route can become more challenging.
Whether you're traveling across Baltimore County or heading out of state, a little preparation can make a big difference. Before you hit the road, here are a few holiday driving safety tips to help you and your loved ones travel safely.
Before You Leave: Prepare for Holiday Travel in Maryland
A safer holiday drive starts before you leave the driveway. Check the weather and road conditions ahead of time, especially if you're traveling a longer distance or expecting winter weather.
The Maryland Department of Transportation's CHART website provides live traffic cameras, incident reports, and information about road closures. A quick look before leaving can help you Know Before You Go to avoid delays or decide whether it's better to leave a little later.
It's also worth taking a few minutes to make sure your vehicle is ready for the trip.
Holiday and winter driving checklist:
- Check your tires, battery, windshield wipers, and washer fluid.
- Plan your route and allow extra time for holiday traffic.
- Keep your gas tank adequately filled, especially for longer trips.
- Pack an emergency roadside kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, and basic tools.
- Bring water, snacks, medications, a phone charger, and warm clothing or blankets in case you're delayed.
If snow or ice is in the forecast, check conditions again before heading out. Holiday plans can be hard to rearrange, but sometimes waiting for the roads to improve is the safest decision.
On the Road: 6 Holiday Driving Safety Tips
Once you're on your way, a few adjustments to your usual driving habits can help you navigate busy highways and changing road conditions.
1. Leave More Room in Heavy Holiday Traffic
Holiday traffic can be unpredictable. Drivers may brake suddenly, change lanes at the last minute, or slow down when approaching unfamiliar exits. Leaving extra space between vehicles gives you more time to react.
Under normal driving conditions, a following distance of at least three seconds is a useful starting point. To check yours, pick a fixed object along the road, such as a sign. When the vehicle ahead passes it, start counting. If you reach the same point before three seconds have passed, ease off the gas and give yourself more room.
In rain, snow, or icy conditions, increase that distance considerably. Even if you're driving at a reasonable speed, slippery roads can make it much harder to stop.
2. Put the Phone Away and Stay Focused
The family group chat can wait until you arrive.
Set your navigation before leaving, silence notifications, and let a passenger handle music or messages if someone is riding with you. If you need to check directions or send an update about your arrival time, find a safe place to pull over.
With heavy traffic and changing road conditions, keeping your attention on the road matters even more during holiday travel.
3. Don't Push Through Drowsy Driving
Between holiday preparations, late-night gatherings, and long trips, it's easy to end up behind the wheel feeling more tired than usual.
Start your trip well-rested and plan for breaks during longer drives. If you notice yourself yawning frequently, struggling to focus, or drifting in your lane, find a safe place to stop. You can also switch drivers if someone else is available and rested, or take time to sleep before continuing.
4. Adjust Your Driving for Winter Weather
Maryland winters can bring everything from light rain to freezing temperatures and icy roads, sometimes during the same trip.
If you're driving in snow, sleet, or freezing rain, slow down and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches of road where ice may form before it becomes noticeable elsewhere.
Visibility matters, too. Clear snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, and lights before leaving, and use your headlights when conditions make it difficult to see.
If the weather becomes dangerous, consider delaying your trip rather than trying to push through it. For more seasonal guidance, explore our winter safety tips for drivers and pedestrians.
5. Watch for Stopped Vehicles and Roadside Emergencies
A disabled vehicle on the shoulder can create a dangerous situation, particularly when traffic is heavy or visibility is poor.
Maryland's Move Over law requires drivers approaching a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying warning signals to move into a lane farther away when it's safe to do so. This applies to more than police cars and emergency vehicles. It also includes other vehicles displaying hazard lights, road flares, or caution signals.
If you can't safely change lanes, you need to slow to a reasonable speed for the road and traffic conditions.
6. Have a Plan if You Plan to Drink
Holiday parties and family gatherings may include a celebratory drink. If alcohol is part of your plans, decide how you'll get home before the festivities begin.
Choose a designated driver who won't be drinking, arrange a rideshare, or plan to stay overnight. Don't rely on how sober you feel to decide whether it's safe to drive. Alcohol can affect your judgment and reaction time even before you reach Maryland's legal BAC limit of 0.08.
The safest choice is simple: if you've been drinking, leave the driving to someone else. For more guidance, read our article on avoiding drinking and driving during the holidays.
What Should You Do If You're in a Car Accident During Holiday Travel?
Even when you take precautions, you can't control every other driver on the roads. If you're involved in an accident during holiday travel, knowing what to do next can help you protect your safety and preserve important information.
- Get to safety. If your vehicle can be moved safely, get it out of active traffic when possible. Otherwise, avoid putting yourself in danger.
- Check for injuries and call 911 when needed. Request emergency assistance if someone is hurt or there's an immediate danger at the scene.
- Exchange information. Get the other driver's contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.
- Document the scene. If it's safe, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and anything else that may help explain what happened.
- Be careful about discussing fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with others at the scene, and avoid speculating about who caused the accident.
- Get medical attention if you're injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, especially after the adrenaline of a crash.
- Notify your insurance company. Report the accident and provide accurate information about what happened.
- Understand your legal options. If you've been injured, a Maryland car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and what steps may be appropriate for your situation.
Holiday Driving Safety FAQs
What should I keep in my car for holiday travel?
Keep an emergency kit with a flashlight, jumper cables, a first aid kit, and a phone charger. Water, nonperishable snacks, warm blankets, and extra clothing are also helpful if you experience a breakdown or unexpected delay.
Where can I check Maryland road conditions before leaving?
Visit MDOT's CHART website for traffic incidents, live roadway cameras, and road closure information. Check the weather forecast as well, especially if snow or freezing rain is expected.
What should I do if my car breaks down on a Maryland highway?
Turn on your hazard lights and move as far from traffic as you safely can. If you're stopped outside the travel lanes and it's safe to remain in your vehicle, stay buckled while waiting for assistance. You can dial #77 for non-emergency roadside assistance in Maryland. If your vehicle is blocking a travel lane or you're in immediate danger, call 911.
Whether it's safer to stay inside or exit depends on your location and the surrounding traffic. For more detailed instructions, review Maryland's roadside emergency guidance.
Injured in a Holiday Car Accident? We're Here to Help.
No one plans to spend the holidays dealing with a car accident. But if you're injured because of another driver's actions, you may be left with questions about medical bills, missed work, or what happens next.
At Timothy A. Dachille and Associates, we help injured people throughout Baltimore County understand their options and navigate the aftermath of an accident. We'll listen to what happened, answer your questions, and help you determine the next steps for your situation. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.