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A few tips for handling the holidays

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 25, 2009

There are two times throughout the year that I can't stand being on the road: the first day of school and during the holidays.

The changes in drivers haven't quite hit the roads yet, but with Black Friday two days away you can expect congestion, bad driving and an increase in road rage.

It baffles me how a time of year that is supposed to spread cheer and happiness results in such ugliness on the road. My goal this holiday season is to battle this driving aggression with a big smile.

They say to kill them with kindness, and that is exactly my approach. Meaning if someone flips me off at the mall because I got to a parking space first, my response will be to wave and smile.

I am hoping if I do this then maybe I can put a slight dent in the holiday aggression. Wishful thinking, I know, but it doesn't hurt to try.

I also have some tips I would like to share with everyone. I promise to follow them, and I hope you will join me. This could be our pre-New Year's resolution.

Don't drink and drive under any circumstances.

Attempt to shop early in the season. If you are a procrastinator like me and wait until the last minute then at least head to the store early in the day to avoid the congestion.

Watch for distracted drivers, especially as it gets closer to the holidays. Many drivers might be so zoned out by talking on the phone and rushing to shop they may not even notice what's happening on the road.
Check traffic reports. There are inevitable loads of accidents because it's the holidays and you might be able to avoid getting caught in a jam by taking an alternative route.

Don't leave shopping bags or other important items in plain view while shopping. And make sure to lock your car; the last thing you need is to have your car broken into.

And last but not least don't perform driving habits that you wouldn't want others to do. For example, if you don't appreciate being cut off while driving then don't do it to other drivers. Two wrongs don't make a right out on the road.

I wish everyone a safe holiday. As always, if you find some interesting holiday traffic-related issue feel free to share.

Send traffic and transportation info, questions or comments to Jessica Balanza at jbalanza@tampatrib.com or call (727) 451-2342. Follow Jessica on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JessSteersClear.

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