The festive season is a wonderful time for families — but it’s also one of the busiest and most challenging periods on the road. According to guidance shared by Axkid, holiday traffic brings a “perfect storm” of heavy congestion, stressed drivers, reduced daylight and winter weather conditions that can all increase the risk of accidents. Being prepared and putting safety first is key, especially when travelling with children.
Why Extra Caution Matters During Holiday Travel
Axkid highlights several seasonal risk factors that drivers should take seriously:
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Significantly higher traffic volumes as families travel long distances to visit friends and relatives.
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Shorter days and long nights, reducing visibility and making hazards harder to detect.
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Driver fatigue and stress, which are common during the busy festive period.
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Snow, slush, ice and wet roads, all of which increase braking distances and reduce control.
These conditions make defensive, attentive driving more important than ever.
Top Holiday Driving Safety Tips
1. Double-Check Your Child’s Car Seat
Axkid stresses the importance of checking your child’s car seat before every long journey. Make sure the seat is installed correctly, tightened securely and adjusted to allow for winter clothing (which should never be bulky under a harness). A well-fitted seat can dramatically improve safety in the event of a collision.
2. Leave More Space on the Road
Winter roads are unpredictable. Axkid notes that stopping distances can increase significantly in poor weather, so keeping a greater distance between you and the car ahead gives you more time to react.
3. Secure All Loose Items
Even small objects can become dangerous projectiles if a vehicle stops suddenly. Axkid recommends storing bags, toys and luggage safely in the boot or in closed compartments to prevent injuries.
4. Start the Journey Well-Rested
Fatigue is one of the biggest risk factors during holiday travel. As Axkid reminds drivers, tiredness affects reaction time just as much as distractions do. Aim to begin your journey refreshed and plan breaks to stay alert.
5. Take Your Time — and Take Breaks
Holiday driving should never be rushed. Build extra time into your schedule to avoid stress and make space for regular stops, particularly on long drives. Axkid advises pausing every couple of hours to stretch your legs and give children a breather.
6. Adapt Your Speed to Conditions
Speed limits don’t change for bad weather — but your driving should. Axkid recommends slowing down to match road conditions, whether you’re facing rain, frost, fog or heavy traffic.
Prioritise Safety for a Happier Holiday
The holiday season should be full of joy, not worry. By following Axkid’s safety advice, preparing your vehicle and ensuring your child’s car seat is correctly fitted, you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
From everyone at In Car Safety Centre, we wish you a safe, calm and happy holiday season — wherever the road takes you.
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