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FHWA 14-05
Friday, December 9, 2005
Contact: Brian Keeter
Tel.: (202) 366-0660
Federal Highway Administration Offers
Holiday Travel Tips To Save Time And Gas, Improve Safety
The Federal Highway Administration is encouraging drivers to follow a few simple
tips that will help them avoid traffic delays and stay safe when on the road
visiting family and friends during the upcoming holiday travel rush.
The travel tips promote planning ahead and following safe driving habits at a
time when many more vehicles will be on the nation’s highways. Long-distance
travel increases about 23 percent during the December holiday season, according
to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Before departing for holiday trips, drivers should first research the best route
and time to travel, helping them steer clear of traffic congestion and other
trouble spots. Traveling during non-peak commuting periods can reduce travel
time as much as 37 percent compared to trips during peak rush hours.
For real-time updates on traffic, construction areas, lane closures and travel
times on interstates and major highways, travelers may take advantage of 511
telephone services now operating in 24 states. A list of 511 telephone services
and links to travel web sites with information on traffic jams, weather and road
conditions is available on the FHWA web site at
www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm.
After planning ahead, drivers should remember that safety comes first and ensure
that they and their passengers buckle up. In 2004, an estimated 55 percent of
those killed in passenger vehicle crashes were not wearing safety belts. Other
safety tips include avoiding tailgating, obeying speed limits and slowing down
in work zones and bad weather.
“Following these tips will help drivers save time and fuel and keep their
families safe this holiday season,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator J.
Richard Capka.
The travel tips are available at
www.fhwa.dot.gov/holidaytraveltips.htm.
Federal Highway Administration Tips
To Keep Holiday Travels Merry And Bright
Plan before you leave:
Take advantage of easy-to-use, real-time travel information sources that will
help you plan the best route and time to travel. Traveling during non-peak
commuting periods can reduce travel time as much as 37 percent compared to trips
during peak rush hours.
Check 511 telephone services and travel information web sites for updates on
traffic jams, road construction, lane closures, severe weather and travel times
on interstates and major highways.
FHWA’s web site at www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm contains links to
information on weather and road conditions and the availability of travel web
sites and 511 telephone services.
Factor in additional travel time if driving through congested areas or inclement
weather.
Safety comes first:
Always buckle up. In 2004, an estimated 55 percent of those killed in passenger
vehicle crashes were not wearing safety belts.
Don’t tailgate. For every 10 mph of speed, stay at least one vehicle length
behind the vehicle in front of you.
On icy roads, you should allow at least three times more space between you and
the vehicle in front of you. Remember that bridges and overpasses are usually
the first to freeze in cold conditions.
Slow down during bad weather. Each year, there are approximately 6,500
fatalities and 450,000 injuries from crashes that occur during bad weather.
Use child safety seats properly.
Obey speed limits.
Slow down in construction zones and pay attention to warning signs and road crew
flaggers.
Briefing Room