Public Health Community Advisory – The American Red Cross has travel tips holiday travelers can follow to arrive safely at their destination.

ON THE ROAD: Most holiday travelers get to where they are going by car. To arrive safely, the Red Cross recommends these safety steps for travelers who will drive to visit their loved ones over the holidays.

• Make sure the vehicle is in good working order.
• Start out with a full tank of gas, check the tire air pressure and make sure the windshield fluid is full.
• Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired. Designate a driver who won’t drink.
• Be well rested and alert.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
• Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase the chance of being in a collision.
• Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If the driver is tired, stop and get some rest.
• Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
• Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
• Clean the vehicle’s headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows.
• Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or if using windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
• Don’t overdrive the headlights.
• If car trouble develops, pull off the road as far as possible.

It’s also recommended to keep an emergency preparedness kit in the vehicle. Useful items include water, snacks, a flashlight, first aid kit, extra cash, and blankets,

PLANES, BUSES, TRAINS: For people traveling by air, bus or train, the Red Cross reminds them that if they have been sick with seasonal flu or have come in contact with someone who is sick, perhaps the trip should be postponed as they may be contagious for a week before symptoms appear.

Other safety tips to avoid the flu while traveling include the following:

• Remember that everything someone touches has to be touched by someone else—luggage handlers, etc. Handle your own belongings as much as possible. Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Carry hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes and use them to wash hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
• Bring your own pillows and blankets—they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
• If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or sleeve.
• Avoid touching the face or eyes.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join the blog at http://blog.redcross.org.