Driving with Family: Tips for Safe and Stress-Free Holiday Travel

November marks the start of the holiday travel season, and for many Tampa Bay families, that means loading up the car and hitting the road. While holiday trips create memories, this season also brings increased traffic, fatigue, and potential hazards that require extra attention on the road.

At the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), our priority is your safe journey. To help you navigate the roads—whether you’re using the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway or traveling cross-country—we’ve compiled essential tips for a safe and stress-free ride with your family.

1. Prioritize Safety Checks

Before you leave, ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready. Traveling by car during the holidays carries one of the highest fatality rates of any major form of transportation, making preparedness essential.

• Tires and Battery: Check tire pressure, as cooler weather can cause pressure drops. Have your battery and charging system inspected.
• Car Seat Safety: Ensure car seats and booster seats are properly installed and that every child is secured correctly for their size and age.
• Emergency Kit: Always keep a well-stocked kit in your vehicle. Include flares, jumper cables, a first aid kit, water, non-perishable snacks, and blankets.

2. Plan Ahead to Avoid Stress

The element of the unknown can quickly turn excitement into anxiety. Planning ahead is the key to minimizing stress.

• Time Your Travel Strategically: Thanksgiving weekend, in particular, sees heavy congestion on the Wednesday before and the Sunday after. If possible, consider leaving a couple days early or traveling on the holiday itself to bypass the peak rush.
• Embrace the Early Bird: Traffic volumes often increase mid-morning (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.). Leaving early in the day can give you a head start and reduce harsh braking incidents caused by sudden traffic.
• Build in Downtime: Whether it’s a planned stop at a rest area or just scheduling a slow morning at your destination, downtime helps both kids and drivers recharge.

3. Focus on the Driver and Passengers

The best way to ensure safety is by minimizing the common dangers of holiday driving: distraction, impairment, and fatigue.

• Combat Distracted Driving: Put the phone away. Distracted driving is a primary cause of accidents. Use hands-free navigation only, and consider having a designated adult passenger handle music, snacks, and device management.
• Stay Sober and Rested: Alcohol impairment is involved in a significant number of holiday fatalities. If you are attending a party, designate a sober driver. Always get a good night’s sleep before a long trip to avoid drowsy driving.
• Keep Kids Engaged: A bored passenger is a distracting passenger. Involve older kids in planning or navigating, and pack a dedicated “travel kit” with new books, small toys, and snacks to keep them entertained.

4. Master Your Tolls and Routes

Before crossing state lines (or even county lines), prepare for cashless tolling and unexpected detours.

• Check Transponder Status: Verify your SunPass® (or other transponder) is properly mounted, funded, and working, especially if you plan to use Express Lanes. Check reciprocity rules if traveling out of state.
• Set Navigation Preferences: Program your GPS to navigate based on your preferences—either the quickest route, or a route that avoids tolls (if preferred), to eliminate stress from sudden payment requirements.
• Know the System: Familiarize yourself with how Toll-By-Plate is handled in other states to prevent receiving multiple unexpected invoices after your trip.

From our THEA team to you, we wish you a safe, smooth, and memorable holiday season on the roads! Drive safely, Tampa Bay.