The Delaware State Police hope that everyone is going to have the safest and hap-hap-happiest Christmas and holiday season this year. Before families kick off their fun, old-fashioned family adventure by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape, Troopers are offering the following holiday travel checklist:
- Plan your trip before you embark on your journey. Map out how you will get there and how you will return home. Then it’s happy trails, Hans! Yippee-ki-yay!
- Make sure your car is mechanically sound. Check all fluid levels and tire air pressure readings, including the spare tire. It’s not a bad little car. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.
- Look into road and weather conditions to see if your car can handle them. Inclement weather can leave you stranded or lost in New York.
- Lock the house doors and set the alarm system. Place lights and “fragile” leg lamps on timers.
- Do not use your cell phone while driving. A screen light shouldn’t guide your sleigh tonight.
- Take a break every few hours to stretch and refocus. Maybe snack on some pudding or some carved roast beast.
- If you stop at a rest stop, park in a well-lit area, stay with your children, and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t let Kevin wander on his own.
- When your car is parked, lock the doors and don’t leave any valuables or gifts in sight. The Grinch may nearby, staring down from his cave with a sour grinchy frown, at the warm lighted windows below in the town.
- Do not drive impaired. If you’ve been drinking, call a friend, family member, or ride-sharing service. If you’re driving, avoid consuming alcohol. Instead, be sure to drink your Ovaltine.
- Avoid posting updates on your location on social media. Harry and Marv will know that no one is home and may try to break in. Save the photo dumps for when you get back.
Ensuring that all these points are checked can prevent a family trip from being jeopardized. The “obvious” things can be easily overlooked – wouldn’t it be silly for someone to check thousands of tiny little lights, only to see that the extension cord wasn’t plugged in?
And when it comes to safety, there’s always time to double-check. Even if you still have to brush your teeth, feed the hog, still got some homework to do, still got those bills to pay – make the time! This isn’t charity – it’s family.
From Atlantic to Pacific – travel safely and enjoy the holiday season!
