2020 has been exceptionally challenging for many reasons. Chief among them is the COVID-19 pandemic, which is proving to be far more persistent than many of us had hoped.
As we head into the 2020 holiday season, it’s vital we rethink what safe travel means before making any plans to travel cross-country. Visiting our loved ones for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings this year will require following both traditional safety tips and those related to slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Let’s break down the travel safety tips you should keep in mind as you prepare to visit loved ones during the holiday season in 2020.
Holiday Travel Safety Tips During the Pandemic
The only way to ensure your safety from COVID-19 during the holidays is to stay home and celebrate the holidays with the extended family through remote means. However, if you do choose to travel this holiday season, follow these guidelines.
- Whenever you’re encountering someone outside those you live with, always wear masks and practice social distancing by leaving at least six feet in between yourself and others.
- Wash your hands frequently and keep hand sanitizer available to you and your family. Use it after being in public or touching commonly touched surfaces.
- Don’t travel if you’re sick or if you’ve been exposed to someone with the coronavirus within the last 14 days.
- Avoid visiting family members who are sick or have been sick within the last 14 days.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes.
- If traveling by car, try to limit the number of stops you make, as each stop likely puts you in contact with more people.
- If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, consider getting tested before the event to be sure you don’t test positive for COVID-19.
- If possible, hold all gatherings outdoors and maintain social distancing at all times.
Vehicle-Related Holiday Travel Safety Tips
- Before driving long distances, make sure your vehicle has been serviced and thoroughly inspected.
- Check your tires to ensure they’re properly inflated for the weather you’ll be driving through.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes a first-aid kit, jumper cables, reflective caution signs or road flares, water, food provisions, blankets and extra sets of warm clothing.
- Make sure that the driver of your vehicle gets adequate rest before departing. If possible, switch out drivers on long journeys.
- Designate someone in the vehicle other than the driver to be the navigator, so the driver can focus solely on the road at all times.
Don’t Be Afraid to Establish Boundaries
As we do our best to navigate the holidays in a pandemic, don’t hesitate to speak up and request that your hosts follow recommended safety practices. Though we can do everything in our power to keep ourselves and our immediate family safe, others might not be following these guidelines.
Know that you have a right to be as safe as possible during the holidays. When someone puts you at risk of contracting the coronavirus, you’re justified in walking away or putting plans on hold this year.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we know how bad things can be when people suffer harm because of others’ unwillingness to follow safety practices.
If You’re Injured While Traveling Over the Holidays, We Can Help
We hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they’ve caused our clients. If you or your loved ones suffer injuries at the hands of another driver, you have a right to hold them accountable for the damages you’ve experienced.
Let the Boston personal injury attorneys at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers help you explore your legal options through a free consultation.