Over the holiday break, many can find it difficult to stay safe. Between snowy roads, impaired drivers, and, oh yeah, the global pandemic, staying safe this holiday season may be more difficult than in years past.  Here are some tips to help stay safe over the holidays:

While traveling, especially to large gatherings, is not advised, if you do plan on traveling, the roads this time of year can be a dangerous place. Luckily, the weather is looking good with low chances of precipitation within a two-hour radius of Columbus.  However, as your travel date gets closer, be sure to check the forecast to see if you can make your trip safely. 

In addition to the snowy roads, the rates of drunk drivers increase significantly over the holidays. The U.S National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that drunk drivers contribute to 40% of traffic deaths over Christmas break and New Year’s. Compared to the rest of December, those rates are an increase of 12%. While you cannot control other drivers, let prudence be your guide.Take an extra second that the stop light, keep a safe distance from any erratic drivers, and most importantly, do not get in a car when the driver is under the influence.   

All that being said, if you must travel this season, please be considerate of COVID-19 precautions.  Wear a mask when you are out. This can protect you and others from the Covid-19 virus. Even if you do not feel sick, you can unknowingly be carrying the virus. Not only that, but masks can come in all kinds of different and fashionable designs. This season, there are so many holiday masks to choose from that it should be easy to find one that matches your holiday spirit!   

Finally, you could order your gifts online this year. This way, you can avoid crowded areas and reduce your chances of contracting the virus. When you order online, you have a better chance of getting a loved one a gift they will cherish with the added bonus of having the gift wrapped before it even comes to your door! That can make this season considerably easier! You are not just limited to Amazon or Walmart.com, either. You can help out small businesses this season as well by purchasing items from their online shops. 

All in all, this season is different from the rest, but it does not mean it can’t be fun! With these holiday safety tips you should have a wonderful holiday season! Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CHSAnchorNews. Happy Holidays! 

Work Cited 

“The Sober Facts Of Holiday Drinking And Driving.” Elite Driving School, 17 Nov. 2014, 

drivingschool.net/sober-facts-of-holiday-drinking-and-driving/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20

National%20Institute%20. Accessed 18 Dec. 2020.