Posted: Friday, December 21, 2007 12:00 am
"Over the river and through the woods" may be the Currier and Ives vision for your holiday plans, but you'll fare better and get to your holiday destination and back safely if you do a little less humming, talking on the cell phone and whatnot and keep your eyes on the road.
Cut down on the laced eggnog, too.
Grinchy as it may sound, you won't be the only one roaring off to grandma's house this holiday season. The American Automobile Association says more than 53 million Americans will be hitting the road over the Christmas and New Year's holiday period, up just under a percent from last year.
"With a record number of travelers expected this holiday season, it's especially important to allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination," was the advice of AAA Wisconsin Regional Vice President Tom Frymark. "Roads and airports will be extremely busy and AAA wants all travelers to have a safe and enjoyable holiday."
You won't get to the enjoyable part unless you get the safe part down and that's clearly a challenge for Wisconsin drivers this year.
Already we have surpassed last year's highway fatality total for the entire year by five deaths even with the busy holiday driving season ahead. As of Monday the state toll stood at 717, 33 ahead of the pace for last year.
Sadly those numbers will grow in the coming days and a pall will be cast over the holiday get-togethers of one family or another.
Slow down as you make your way to your own gathering. Avoid bad weather if you can. Buckle up and be courteous to other drivers. Don't drink and then drive. Last December alone 1,076 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The best present you can give to your friends and family is to get there safely this year. Happy holidays - drive safely.