The holiday season is synonymous with good food and spending time with loved ones. However, it also comes with heavy traffic and poor weather conditions, which often lead to motoring accidents. Don’t let the holiday rush and road congestion get the best of you.

Below, Alliance Collision, a leading provider of roadside assistance in Rochester, NY, offers some tips on how to stay safe:

• Drive Slowly: Roads tend to be slippery at this time of year, adversely affecting the responsiveness of your vehicle. If you’re driving fast, you’ll need a greater distance to stop. To avoid skidding or causing a collision, reduce your speed and stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.

• Observe The Weather: Before going for a drive, monitor road conditions and weather forecasts from your starting location to your destination. Tune in to your local news or check reliable weather sites. Reports usually alert motorists when roads are not safe and when an expected storm is coming.

• Don’t Drink & Drive: There’s no better time for cocktails, wines, punch, or hard liquor than the holiday season. If you can’t say no to drinking, bring along a designated driver, especially when going to parties. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 28 people die each day due to alcohol-impaired driving.

• Auto Maintenance: No matter how full your schedule is, find the time to go to your local auto repair shop for winter maintenance. Even basic procedures like oil changes, battery testing, tire pressure checks, and wiper blade replacements help prevent situations that would require roadside assistance.

• Get Adequate Rest: Expect roads to get busier and more stressful during the holidays. If you know you’re going for a long drive, get a full night’s sleep the night before. The body and mind need to be well-rested to stay focused and alert. Break up a long drive or take turns driving with a companion.

Enjoy an accident-free holiday season with a few smart driving tips. If you need towing or roadside assistance, turn to Alliance Collision. They have provided unmatched auto repair and emergency car towing services to Monroe County for over 70 years. They can help restore the condition of your vehicle after an accident and offer you the best solutions for vehicle recovery. Call (585) 232-2390 to schedule service, or visit their website for more information.