This Thanksgiving, These 10 Tips for Safe Driving Ensure You Won't Be a Turkey on the Road

LEAWOOD, Kan., Nov. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- When Thanksgiving nears, the rush over the valley and through the woods to grandmother's house often creates a frenzy on the freeway unmatched the other 364 days of the year.

In fact, Thanksgiving is the deadliest holiday on the road.  According to the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2010, 431 people died on the roads nationwide, compared with 259 on Christmas, 403 on Labor Day and 392 on Fourth of July.  Accidents abound, with many occurring while the vehicle is far from home and the local repair shop.

How can you be safer on the road this holiday season? Here are 10 tips from Dean Fisher, vice president of operations for CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, North America's largest network of collision repair facilities and the most trusted brand for auto body repair.  For the full list of tips visit www.carstar.com.

• Prepare your car as carefully as your meal – check fuel level, tire pressure, windshield fluid and lights
• Plan your route ahead of time – at highway speed is not the time to program the GPS
• Check the weather – conditions can change quickly on the road
• Make safety your priority on the road -- buckle up, slow down and don't drive impaired
• Don't text or talk when you're driving – Grandma would prefer to be surprised when you arrive rather than receiving a text that you need a tow truck
• When there is snow or ice on the ground, drop your speed to a safe limit
• Do not use cruise control on icy roads
• Prepare for a snow day -- pack a snow day kit just in case you get stuck.  Important items to include are a blanket, gloves, hat, water, granola bars, flashlight and extra batteries, extra cell phone battery, flares, wooden matches in waterproof container, compass, scissors, rope and first aid kit.
• Prepare a toolbox for digging your car out with foldable shovel, 2×4 planks to put under tires, ice scraper and snow brush, reflective triangles, flares and exterior windshield cleaner
• If an accident does occur, have a collision plan in place so you aren't stranded on the roadside waiting for assistance. 

CARSTAR to Provide Accident Assistance 24/7 during Thanksgiving Travel Season

When Americans are on the road, America's most trusted body shop is ready to come to the rescue.  Throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, CARSTAR's trained accident assistance experts will be standing by to help travelers in need.  Just call 1.800.CARSTAR any time day or night and they will help call a tow truck, coordinate with your insurance company and find a nearby location to assist with your vehicle repair.  Or, just go online at www.carstar.com to chat with a live operator or request an appointment.

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts offers high-quality, reliable repair service in 31 states and 10 Canadian provinces.  Just call 1-800-CARSTAR when you have an accident and they will send the tow truck, contact your insurance company, arrange for a rental car and repair your car. For information and store locations visit www.CARSTAR.com.

CONTACT:
Debby Robinson
312-505-4336
[email protected]

SOURCE CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts