Operation Safe Holiday

Tips for a Ticket-Free Holiday Season

The holidays are probably the most stressful time of year when it comes to dealing with traffic. Not surprising then that it´s also the time of year when there are the most crashes. Here are some tips for keeping your holiday safe and ticket-free.

Slow Down

December can be a blur of parties, shopping, commitments and every day activities. Who wouldn´t be tempted to rush from place to place? Unfortunately, the faster you´re going, the more difficult it becomes to react to your driving environment. Your risk of a crash or ticket increases rapidly. Did you know that speeding is considered a component of aggressive driving? Think about that next time the needle pushes past the posted speed limit.

Money saving Tip: An average speeding ticket (with costs) for a driver going 16 miles over the limit is approximately $160, or the price of a digital camera. Save your cash by slowing down.

Watch Out for the Weather

The flakes can be known to fly in Pennsylvania even before Thanksgiving. The holidays are prime time for weather-related crashes. Police report more crashes during the winter months than any other time of year. Compensate for inclement weather (and reduce your chances of getting a costly ticket) by adding extra time to get to your destination and modifying your speed to suit driving conditions.

Money saving Tip: A citation and costs for a traveling too fast for conditions approximately $110, or about the price of an Ipod Nano. Save your cash by adapting your driving to the weather.

Keep a handle on careless driving

We´ve all been there. You´re about to pull into the perfect parking spot and somebody steals it from right under your nose. Or you´re stuck behind the slowest person in the parking lot. The next thing you know you´re maneuvering your car irresponsibly. Now you are much more likely to get into a crash or be ticketed for breaking the law. Just take a deep breath and try to relax - this too shall pass.

Money saving Tip: A citation and costs for a careless driving is about $110, or about the cost of a one-year Netflix membership. Save your cash by keeping your cool.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

And your hands on the wheel. The holidays are busy, but it´s still better to make it to your destination safely than to crash or be pulled over because you were distracted. Texting is especially dangerous - every text keeps your eyes off the road for the length of a football field.

Money saving Tip: A citation and costs for running a red light is about $110, or the price of a nice new outfit. Save your cash by putting down the phone.

Pass on the holiday cheer

If you´ve been drinking, please don´t drive. Impairment can begin with the first drink and a DUI crash is far worse than calling a friend or taking a cab. Please choose a designated driver for any event where alcohol is served and know your limits. And if you have a holiday cold, remember that certain over-the-counter medications can substantially impair your driving ability.

Money saving Tip: A citation and costs for driving under the influence is up to $1,000, and that doesn´t even count court costs. Save your cash by never driving impaired.

Buckle Up

Seat belts are the law in Pennsylvania and your best defense in case of a crash. Seat belts increase the chance of survival in a crash by more than 50 percent, so wear yours. Click It or Ticket - two tickets, two fines.

Money saving Tip: A citation and costs for not wearing a seat belt is about $60, about the price of a new video game. Save your cash by buckling up every time.