For those who celebrate the December 25th holiday, Christmas Eve can be a fun and festive evening, full of anticipation and celebration. And while this is a wonderful opportunity to take a break from your normal routine to enjoy time with friends and family members, it's wise to exercise caution if you're going to be driving.
Tips on Keeping the Holiday Merry
Christmas Eve is a time to relax and enjoy yourself (except, perhaps, if you're a parent of a small child), but don't let your guard down if your plans involve time on the roads. Unfortunately, even though it's a holiday, accidents and theft won't be taking the night off.
- Monitor the weather report. In many parts of the country, the end of December brings snow and ice, so make sure that your intended route is safe for travel before heading out. If conditions are inclement, avoid taking possibly unplowed side streets. And, if it looks like the roads are exceptionally bad, it may be a good idea to just skip the party and celebrate at home.
- Have a designated driver. If you're attending a get-together that will include adult beverages, be sure to drink responsibly. It is absolutely and always unsafe to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and it is even more dangerous if the roads are snowy and/or icy. Even if you feel perfectly capable of driving, if you've been hitting the special eggnog, call a cab or get a ride from a friend.
- Don't leave your vehicle in a questionable location. Christmas Eve was number 6 on Bankrate's list of holidays that have the most car thefts. Last year, 1,774 vehicles were stolen on December 24th. So, if you're going to be in an unfamiliar neighborhood, try to park your car in a well-lit, populated area, and make sure that no valuables are left in visible places. For example, don't leave a pile of gifts (wrapped or unwrapped) on the seat. You could end up unwittingly playing Santa to a thief.
By being aware of your actions and surroundings and taking a few precautionary measures, you can have a happy and safe holiday that's filled with only pleasant surprises.
The Joy of Affordable Financing
If having regular access to reliable transportation tops your Christmas wish list, Drivers Lane can help you get an auto loan. Even if your credit is moderately to severely damaged, we can connect you with a dealer in your area who is qualified to work with your situation. You may even be able to buy a car with little or no money down.
Just fill out our fast and secure online application, and you could be driving in the New Year.
