Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying the season. But, often, travel is required to get together with family and friends. Some of us will put on a mask and fly greater distances to celebrate Christmas. But many will load up the car and drive somewhere for the holiday.

Which is it for you? Or will you stay home? Maybe, you’ll stay home while loved ones drive to your home. But, whatever your personal situation, during Christmas time, there’s a whole lot of travelin’ going on.

Travelpulse claims that 85-million Americans are expected to travel this Christmas. TravelandLiesure suggests that 47-million of those will mask up and take to the ‘friendly skies.’ If they have the numbers right, that still means that 38-million Americans will hit the roads to spend Christmas with loved ones.

With all those people on the road, even if the conditions are good, folks need to be aware to arrive at the homes of loved ones safely. If the conditions aren’t so good – if there are icy or snowy roads, if there are foggy nights or heavy rain – you’ll face a great challenge staying safe out on the roads.

Another consideration is the condition of your vehicle. The last several weeks, we’ve run some articles here about winterizing your vehicle. Hopefully, you’re on top of preparing your car for the season. If not, if you’re driving on a wing-and-a-prayer, you may find yourself on the side of the road.

While you’re sitting on the roadside somewhere waiting for a service truck to arrive, your loved ones are checking their watches and wondering where you’re at until they decide to call and check on you. In the meantime, the little ones are getting impatient waiting for you to arrive so they can open presents under the tree, as well as those in the back of your car.

Adding an additional element to your drive is the risk posed by intoxicated drivers. While revelry is expected this time of year, not everyone has enough sense to put sufficient time between the party and the road.

Whether it’s a question of a drunk driver creating a dangerous situation, ice or snow impacting your drive, or simply the dangers when too many people are on the same road at the same time, you want to have your vehicle prepared for the drive and you want to be attentive whatever the conditions. 

You have loved ones depending on your safe arrival. Christmas is no time to disappoint them.