The holidays are a time for family, road trips, and busy highways. But as truck drivers know, staying safe on the road requires more than just good intentions. We asked our Truck Drivers USA Facebook community for advice on traveling this holiday season, and their insights are invaluable for families hitting the road. These professional drivers spend countless hours navigating highways year-round, so their tips are tried, true, and straight from experience.
Plan Ahead and Leave Early
The holidays mean heavier traffic, unpredictable weather, and unexpected delays.
- Hank Ray emphasizes, “Leave early. Get plenty of rest, inspect your vehicle, or take it to a mechanic. If you’re tired, take a break.”
- Joshua McFarlin adds, “Allow yourself extra time due to increased traffic, road construction, or bad weather.”
- Randy McTigue reminds travelers to enjoy the journey, not just the destination: “Plan ahead, give yourself plenty of time, leave early, take plenty of breaks, and enjoy the trip.”
Stay Alert and Be Patient
The hustle and bustle of the season can make drivers feel rushed, but staying calm is key.
- Travis Hanson offers a checklist for safer driving: “Slow down, use turn signals, keep a proper following distance, increase stopping distance, and signal your intentions. Relax and enjoy your drive.”
- Shawn Rutherford says, “Drive like the goal is for you and everybody around you to arrive safely.”
- Ashley Bruce stresses patience: “If you get tired, pull over… You’d rather arrive late than never because you dozed off.”
Truckers are professionals at managing long hauls, and their advice applies to anyone traveling far. Rest, stay focused, and give yourself plenty of breathing room.
Give Trucks Space
One of the most common tips from truckers is to respect their space. Semi-trucks can’t stop or maneuver as quickly as smaller vehicles, and failing to give them room can be dangerous.
- Cindy Butler-Wassum explains, “Trucks can’t stop on a dime. Don’t pull out in front of them.”
- Chadd Nunemaker adds, “Give us as much space as possible. Stay out of our blind spots, and don’t cut in front of us and hit the brakes.”
- Jeffrey Cranford reminds families to pass efficiently: “If you’re passing on a highway, kick it up a notch and get around a semi.”
- Catherine Glidewell, speaking as the wife of a trucker, says, “Please don’t try to jump in front of them and slam on your brakes. It takes truck drivers longer to stop.”
Truck drivers are delivering goods to families across the country. Show respect for their space, and remember they’re sharing the road with you to help make your holidays brighter.
Watch Your Speed and Following Distance
Many truckers stress the importance of slowing down and keeping a safe distance, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather.
- Bill Palmer cautions, “Slow down, increase following distance, and don’t crowd or tailgate trucks. You don’t want to see the damage a blowout on a big rig can do.”
- Jenn Durrant shares this life-saving advice: “ALWAYS keep a safe following distance!”
- Jeff Miles suggests being prepared for the unexpected: “Carry snacks, water, and cash in case cards don’t work. And get plenty of rest.”
Eliminate Distractions
Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents, and truckers urge families to put phones away and focus on the road.
- Robin Whitehead says, “Stay off your phone while driving. Slow down per road/weather conditions.”
- Lori Sheridan echoes, “Reduce distractions so you can focus.”
- Stephen Healey puts it simply: “Do not take your eyes off the road. Distraction causes accidents.”
- Ric Tay adds, “If you’re driving, stay off the phone.”
Your family’s safety is worth more than any phone call or notification. Focus on the road and the drivers around you.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Truck drivers know that anything can happen on the road, so preparation is essential.
- David Webb advises, “Have a spare tire, jack, and antifreeze where you can reach it.”
- Ashley Bruce suggests keeping essentials on hand: “Don’t let your tank get below 1/3 full… Bring extra snacks, bottled water, pillows, and blankets.”
- Jeff Miles highlights the value of having cash and a Bluetooth headset for hands-free calls in emergencies.
Remember That Trucks Have Families Too
At the end of the day, truck drivers are people with loved ones waiting for them at home, just like you.
- Ed Boyd beautifully sums it up: “Slow down. It’s not a race to grandma’s house. When you share the road with us this Christmas, remember all those trucks have families, too.”
The holidays are about kindness and consideration—let that extend to how we share the road.
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Holidays
Whether you’re headed to grandma’s house or across the country, these tips from truck drivers are a great reminder to slow down, stay focused, and share the road safely. We all want to reach our destinations with our loved ones safe and sound.
join our Truck Drivers USA Facebook community to share your experiences, advice, and stories with others who understand life on the road. Safe travels, and happy holidays!
