WHILE TRAVELING AWAY for that much-needed vacation this Holy Week, safe driving is a must. Check out these few tips from Ford before hitting the road:

1. Plan Your Trip
Allot extra time on your road trip so you can absorb changes to your schedule. Delays are the one thing you can count on when driving long distances alongside hundreds of fellow travelers doing the same. Building in extra time helps keep you relaxed on the drive and lets you take breaks along the way. Remember, the shortest route isn’t always the fastest one — aim to avoid roads prone to congestion during peak hours.

2. Check and declutter your car
Before hitting the road, keep your car spick and span, with everything stored properly. Clutter like cans and plastic bottles can have dangerous consequences — when the car is in motion, these items could roll forward and get caught under the brake or accelerator pedal, keeping the driver from operating the vehicle properly.

3. Maintain Your Windows
Don’t compromise your vision with dirty glass – a clean windshield is just as important as keeping your eyes open when driving, especially at night. Streaks can cause dangerous glares on the windshield, windows and mirrors, so avoid touching them with your hands, and keep a soft cloth in your vehicle to clean them regularly.

4. Stay Alert
Sure, you might be a great driver, but don’t assume everyone else on the road is too. Stay vigilant — double-check for oncoming traffic whenever you cross an intersection or stop sign, even with the right of way. Take an extra moment to watch for oncoming cars when the light turns from red to green, and leave extra room for other vehicles.

5. Keep babies safe, comfortable, and happy
For parents, driving with kids on board can be tricky. If hours on the road make adults restless, it’s even more so for kids, which can lead to tantrums — quite distracting, especially for the driver. To avoid this, bring your child’s favorite toys to keep them entertained and the driver focused on the road. Snacks and drinks help keep the fussing down too.

6. Equip yourself with helpful tech
Reading a foldout map isn’t just outdated — it can be dangerous. Ditch the paper and use helpful apps to get through the trip instead. And if your car has built-in tech, make the most of it.

Have a blessed Lent, everyone!