For those with long commutes to work and back and those who drive very little, the driving situation during the holidays can be a nightmarish situation. The holiday season is supposed to be about peace on earth and kindness to others but it seems that, once drivers get caught up in the holiday shopping rush, all of that goes out the window and it is every man for himself. To help you cope with the holiday driving situation and keep you safe on the road, here are a few reminders.

Planning – High gasoline prices have led many to consolidate trips to save money. That is also a good tip for the holiday season:

• Create and try to stick to a shopping list for everyone on your gift giving list. You'll spend less time and money if you know exactly what you are after. Try to avoid browsing that will lead to impulse buying and keep you out longer.
• Shopping online can help you avoid going out into traffic. You can also order items online for pick-up at your local store so you can do a quick in –pickup – and out.
• Try to get all your shopping done in one or two days; that way you can relax and enjoy the rest of the holiday season.
• Shop early! Retailers are trying to lure customers with early sales so they aren't stuck with a left over inventory.
• Plan on being stuck in traffic and allow yourself plenty of extra time. That way, you won't be tempted to take chances behind the wheel and you won't be as frustrated.

Dealing with other drivers – The frenetic pace of the holiday season seems to bring out the worst in some drivers. Don't let a "Grinch" driver get to you.

• It seems as if no other time of the year results in as many clogged intersections. When drivers pull out into a clogged intersection and the light changes, everyone is stuck. If you can't clear the intersection, remain behind the white stop line until the traffic ahead moves enough that you can get all the way across. Remember, if you are stuck in the intersection when the light changes, you could get an automatic ticket from a red light camera.
• Remember that you can't take the right-of-way; you can only give it up to another driver. If someone tries to hog the right-of-way, give it to them. Fighting for the right-of-way or a parking spot isn't worth the possibility of a collision or a road rage incident.
• Don't try to retaliate against another driver by yelling, making gestures, or honking your horn. That type of behavior could tip someone over the edge into a road rage situation.
• Remember the F.I.D.O. principle. Forget It and Drive On. There is nothing you can do to change another driver's behavior. Just let it go and keep out of their way.

Pedestrians – There will be a lot of pedestrians in parking lots and on the roads at this time of year.

• Remember that pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
• Small children are excited and even more impulsive at this time of year. Anticipate that they may run out into traffic.
• Pedestrians may be bundled up against the cold. Hats, mufflers and scarves may interfere with vision and hearing. Count on pedestrians not noticing your approach.

Distractions – As if the driving situation isn't bad enough during the holiday season, distracted drivers make it worse.

• It is understood that you are in a rush, but try to avoid eating in the car while driving. Trying to eat and drink distracts us from the very important job of watching the road ahead. Giving yourself time to eat in a restaurant will allow you to relax and calm down before going back out into traffic.
• Put the cell phone away! Don't try to use your cell phone and especially don't text unless you are pulled safely off the road. Cell phone users tend to slow traffic and you don’t want to add to the congestion.

Have a happy and, above all, a safe holiday season with your loved ones.

To learn more about driver safety and education please visit our Driver Safety Alerts at http://www.nationalsafetycommission.com.

Labels: holiday safety, pedestrian safety, right-of-way, traffic collisions, traffic safety

The 2010 Holiday Season is in full swing and the 2010 Holiday Traffic Plan is getting underway as well. The NYC DOT partnered with the NYPD and other agencies to develop this year’s plan which identifies Gridlock Alert Days, Traffic Management Initiatives, and Increased Enforcement Initiatives. Below, are some of the major highlights from the 2010 Holiday Traffic Plan.

Gridlock Alert Days

City officials designated several dates when an anticipated surge in traffic is expected. On the following dates, people are advised to use mass transit whenever possible:

• Friday, December 10


• Wednesday, December 15


• Thursday, December 16


• Friday, December 17


• Wednesday, December 22


• Thursday, December 23

Traffic Management Initiatives

• Restricted access to major bridges, tunnels, roadways and streets
  
• Expanded Use of DOT Traffic Monitoring Cameras
  
• Turn Restrictions – To alleviate congestion around Rockefeller Center there are planned temporary turn restrictions on 5th Avenue at 55th, 53rd, 51st, and 47th streets.
  
• 511NY – 511NY is a program that was recently launched by the New York State DOT. It is a new service offering free information on transportation services and traffic conditions throughout New York State. Users can obtain information by dialing 511 or visiting the website at www.511ny.org. This service provides relevant information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  

Increased Enforcement Initiatives

• Holiday Construction Embargo – A construction embargo is in place through 11:59 pm on Sunday January 2, 2011. This embargo will be strictly enforced. The locations and conditions of the embargo are available at the NYC DOT web site.


• Operation Safe Streets – From November 29 – December 29 the NYPD will increase enforcement in an effort to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Their goal is to make 2010 the safest holiday season ever. The increased enforcement will be concentrated in midtown and other key areas across the city. The NYPD will primarily focus on the following vehicular violations: driving while intoxicated, speeding, disobeying traffic signals, improper turns, and seatbelt violations. Additionally, the NYPD will place a special focus on taxis.


• Operation Move-Along – Addresses the traffic problems caused by double parking and unauthorized parking. There will be a zero tolerance policy towards existing curbside parking rules and regulations. The NYPD will place a special focus on major transportation hub and violators will be summoned, towed or booted.

Read more Holiday Shopping Safety Tips from the National Safety Commission.

Labels: driver safety tips, holiday safety, new york driving laws, parking regulations, traffic safety