Planning to travel the roadways during the holidays can raise your stress level just thinking about it. However, knowing some helpful tips before you begin your road trip might mean a safer trip for you and your family. Preventing car accidents should be your highest priority on the roadway during the Thanksgiving season.

Enjoying Thanksgiving with family or friends requires some planning ahead for conditions such as busier than normal road traffic or bad weather conditions. Check your route ahead of time, and have an alternate route mapped out in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Drive with caution and pack an extra dose of patience if you are traveling with children. Allow yourself plenty of time. The more pressed you are for time, the more vulnerable you will be for car accidents, added stress and a less enjoyable holiday.

Distractions are one of the major causes of car accidents, whether it is heavy traffic, road emergencies, the radio, texting or talking on the phone. If you are driving, leave the phone conversations to the passenger. If you must text or talk on the phone, pull off the highway to a safe location.

If you have one, set the GPS in your vehicle before you leave your driveway, instead of once you get on the roadway. Pay attention to developing roadway conditions and weather. Pack emergency kits, jumper cables, blankets and extra water and food. These items don't take a lot of extra room, but are necessities when you are stuck on the roadway for hours.

Keeping safety in mind can help drivers and passengers on the road arrive safely at their Thanksgiving destinations.

Source: AAA Exchange, "Winter Driving Tips"