Stay Safe During the Holiday Season: Tips to Avoid Distractions and Hazards by Michelle Avola-Brown,

The holiday season is a time brimming with joy, family gatherings, and the enchanting allure of festive decorations. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, increased travel, and distractions like phones and alcohol, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and mindful of potential dangers. Below are key safety tips to help you navigate the season safely, ensuring you can fully embrace the joy of the season.

Stay Focused on the Road: Avoid Phone and Touchscreen Distractions The holiday season means even more crowded roads and longer driving times. Unfortunately, distractions caused by phones and in vehicle touchscreens increase the likelihood of accidents. Limit Phone Use: Use hands free options only when necessary, and avoid texting while driving. Set your GPS and playlist before starting your trip.

Minimize Touchscreen Interaction: Many modern vehicles rely on touchscreens for navigation, the audio system, vehicle settings, or climate control. Use voice commands to avoid looking away from the road or change the settings at red lights.

Turn Off Notifications: Activate Do Not Disturb mode while driving to reduce the temptation to check your phone. Remember, even a quick glance at your phone or screen can divert your attention from the road for crucial seconds. Staying entirely focused can help you avoid unexpected hazards.

Look, Don’t Linger: Enjoy Decorations Safely The dazzling lights and elaborate decorations can be mesmerizing, especially while driving through neighborhoods filled with holiday displays. However, spending too much time admiring them can distract you from the road.

Pull Over: If you want to enjoy a decorated house or neighborhood light show, park safely before looking. Assign a Passenger: Let someone else take photos or navigate if you’re exploring holiday displays by car.

Stay Alert for Pedestrians: Many people, especially children, walk around to see lights. Be cautious when driving in decorated areas, especially after dark.

Drink Responsibly and Plan Ahead: Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol, and driving under the influence remains one of the leading causes of crashes this time of year.

Designate a Driver: Arrange for a sober friend or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.

Know Your Limits: It’s easy to underestimate how much you’ve had to drink. If you’re unsure, use breathalyzer apps or devices.

Offer Non-Alcoholic Options: If you’re hosting a party, provide mocktails or other alcohol-free drinks for guests who need to drive.

Never take the risk of driving impaired. Drunk driving endangers everyone on the road and has severe legal and personal consequences. (Did you know, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting while driving is six times more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. Either activity is dangerous when driving is involved!)

Handle Holiday Stress to Stay Focused
The hustle and bustle of the season can lead to mental overload, making it harder to stay focused while driving or performing other tasks. Stress from shopping, hosting, or traveling can leave people mentally and physically distracted without even realizing it.

Get Enough Sleep: Fatigue can impair judgment and reaction times. Rest well before traveling or attending events.

Take Breaks: When driving long distances, stop every couple of hours to stretch and refocus.

Manage Holiday Tasks Wisely: Create to-do lists and set realistic expectations to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Also, avoid using your phone while shopping or cooking to prevent accidents.

Pedestrian Safety: Keep an Eye Out During Crowded Events: Whether shopping, attending parades, or visiting holiday markets, it’s easy to get caught up in the festive spirit. However, this also means that people are often preoccupied, making pedestrian safety more critical during the holidays. Both drivers and walkers need to stay alert, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the season.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians:
Avoid Walking and Texting: Be mindful of your surroundings while crossing streets or walking in parking lots and other busy areas.

Wear Bright or Reflective Clothing: This is especially important at night when visibility is reduced.

Safety Tips for Drivers:
Drive Slowly in Crowded Areas: Parking lots and downtown areas are packed during the holidays. Drive cautiously and expect unexpected pedestrian movement.

Be Extra Careful Around Schools and Parks: Children are often distracted by holiday excitement, increasing the chance of crashes.

Final Thoughts: A Safe Season is a Joyful One celebration, and keeping safety a priority only enhances the merriment. By avoiding distractions, planning ahead if drinking, and staying alert to hazards both on the road and off, you can ensure a safe and jubilant holiday season with your loved ones. So, let’s spread the joy, stay safe, and make this holiday season truly memorable!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Stay safe, stay focused, and make wonderful memories this season.  Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director, Naples Pathways Coalition

For more information, please visit www.NaplesPathways.org and www.HandsFreeFlorida.org If you have any specific questions, email me at Michelle@NaplesPathways.org