Stay calm and festive: Your ultimate guide to surviving the holiday rush

Happy holidays guys! And now with the festivities upon us, it is time to execute all the amazing plans that you have been cooking up with your loved ones for a while now. And why not, with schools and offices closed, it is the perfect time to rebond and rekindle, making the festivities memorable.

It is during this happy and joyous season that you’ll come across stressful driving situations. But worry not, with adequate planning, patience, and preparation, you are good to go. Sounds amazing, right?

Now without any delay let’s get into knowing some amazing driving tips and tricks that’ll add comfort and convenience to your journey, be it a long road trip or a short visit to the mall.

Tip 1: Time it right

Before leaving for your destination, it is a good idea to make a plan. It can be a well-discussed or rough mental strategy as to how you’ll go about the journey. It is important to time everything right, from departure to food & fuel stoppages.

A few suggestions -

• Avoid planning a trip on weekends or post office hours; too much crowd
• Morning and evening rush hours are a true sight, try leaving at an alternative time
• Skip routes with shopping malls, markets, and other major commercial areas, as rush gets bad during holidays
• Early mornings and late evenings are good times to move, less crowd & ample parking

Tip 2: Know the routes

The holiday season equals heavy traffic, right? And therefore it is essential to study your destination and the route leading to it thoroughly. This will help you to skip all the traffic, avoid possible accidents, and save fuel & energy; in short less stressful and more fun journey

A few suggestions -

• Use navigation apps or GPS, they help find alternative routes over daily routes, check real-time traffic conditions, and know estimated arrival time. The latter will allow you to gauge if leaving early will help save you time
• Stay updated on road conditions by checking local traffic reports
• Have a backup plan ready
• Identify nearby service stations & hospitals

Tip 3: Plan parking in advance

Parking in markets and busy areas is a headache on normal days and during holidays it is a different struggle altogether. So, be mindful as to where you will be parking your beloved car. It should be a location that’s safe and accessible.

• Always park at designated spots to avoid getting fined or getting your vehicle towed or worse stoled
• Do some research and find alternative parking locations

Tip 4. If possible opt for a two-wheeled ride

If you are a couple or a group of friends/cousins who wanna hang out and enjoy the festivities together but skip all the traffic then a two-wheeler is the way to go. We mean, why not, if possible and convenient, give it a shot? Not only will it be a different experience but you’ll navigate through traffic and crowded streets more easily.

A few suggestions -

• Use the gaps between the cars to your advantage; avoid squeezing into spaces that are too tight
• Make sure you and the vehicle are always in sight of other riders; use the horn and turning indicators when necessary
• Wear proper safety gear and riding attire; helmet, reflective clothing, gloves, etc
• Before hitting the road make sure your vehicle is in proper condition and well-maintained; this will ensure proper handling and prevent breakdowns

Tip 5: Know & obey traffic rules

Be it the holiday season or otherwise, it is essential to follow the traffic rules. It helps authorities manage the rush in a better and more effective manner. Not to forget all the risks of accidents and injuries that will caused by a mistake at your end. Also, following traffic rules will keep you immune from fines and penalties.

A few suggestions -

• Follow the three-second rule to establish a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
• Know and follow road signs & traffic lights
• Keep in check with the MMDA enforcement orders
• No cutting lanes
• In case of a dispute, get an eyewitness who can narrate the actual incident later to the law enforcement officer
• It is a good idea to invest in a dashboard camera

Tip 6: Don’t leave valuables unattended

Notorious gangs get active all around the country during the festive season, therefore it is advisable to be extra cautious. When traveling in the car with valuables, make sure to keep them out of sight and ensure the locks are secured before leaving the vehicle.

A few suggestions -

• Hide the essentials properly, make sure they are not noticeable from the outside
• Install tint film on the windows
• A car alarm is a great option as well
• If possible carry your essentials with you instead of leaving them behind

Tip 7: Eyes on the road

You might be excited or exhausted from all the holiday fun & chitter-chatter, both of which are not healthy for a driver behind wheels. When driving make sure you are fresh with no distractions to bother.

A few suggestions -

• Minimize distractions, no texting and driving
• Keep loose items (wallet, keys, sunglasses, mobile) intact so that they don’t bother you while driving; storage organizers or non-slip dashboard mats are a good investment
• It is a good idea to de-clutter your car, a clean car brings driver clarity and helps the driver stay focused

Tip 8: Pack essentials

Never step out without the essentials, especially when heading out to enjoy the festivities. It doesn’t matter if you are out for an hour or two or on a short getaway, carry along essential stuff like water, food, and medication. With all the traffic and rush, you never know how long you might stuck on the road.

A few suggestions -

• Pack mess-free, crumb-free finger food, they are the best and super easy to eat & clean after (crackers, sandwiches)
• Pack pain relievers, wet wipes, motion sickness meds, paper rolls, sanitizers, and paper soap
• Don’t use your phone, but make sure it is working; bring along your phone charger and a power bank for emergencies

Bonus tips

• If attending holiday parties, make sure to have a designated driver along with you; if not opt for Grab and other ride-hailing services
• Keep the car in tip-top condition; check the brakes, oil, lights, battery, water, air, tyre, gas, and engine before leaving. Also, keep the breakdown supply kit in check.
• If out on a road trip, try not to rush and enjoy the trip to the fullest, plan road games, sing-alongs; all while staying alert
• It is advisable to contact your insurance agent and get essential add-ons like an accident coverage option.
• Do not overstuff your car with items (gifts, decorations, food) as it might obstruct the driver’s rearview and increase the chances of an accident
• The holiday season means in-flux of out-of-town drivers, delivery trucks, and carpooling; so be extra careful when driving

Bottom line
Holidays are all about spending time with family and friends. However, with all the excitement going around, it is essential to ensure everyone’s safety. So, if you too are planning to hit the road this festive season, make sure to plan everything well in advance, keep the essentials, follow traffic rules, and avoid distractions while driving.

Also Read: Why year-end is the best time to buy a used car in the Philippines