As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And when it comes to staying safe while driving, that is certainly true. From obeying the speed limit to being extra cautious in bad weather, there are many things drivers can do to reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.

However, even the most safety-conscious driver cannot always avoid accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021 there were 6,452,000 reported motor vehicle accidents in the United States only. This statistic includes everything from minor fender-benders to major collisions that resulted in fatalities.

And while You can’t eliminate the risk of being involved in an accident, there are things you can do to minimize your chances of being involved in a serious or fatal accident. Here are the six most important tips to keep in follow:

Understand The Law

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident is to familiarize yourself with the laws governing driving. Every state has its own set of rules and regulations, so it’s important that you know and understand the laws in your state. In addition, there are also federal laws that apply to all drivers in the United States. As noted by experienced car accident attorneys from Joye Law Firm, the most preventable accidents are caused by drivers who disobey the law due to carelessness or ignorance. Not only will following the law help you avoid making common mistakes that could put you and others in danger, but it will also prevent you from being held liable if you do happen to be involved in an accident.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Another important way to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident is to make sure your vehicle is always properly maintained. This means regularly checking things like your tires, brakes, and lights to ensure they are in good working condition. It’s also important to stay up-to-date on all scheduled maintenance for your vehicle. By keeping your car in good condition, you can help avoid breakdowns and other problems that could lead to an accident. Just keep in mind that even if you maintain your vehicle perfectly, there’s always the chance that something could go wrong. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for anything by carrying an emergency kit in your car at all times.

Be a Defensive Driver

One of the best ways to avoid being involved in an accident is to practice defensive driving. This means being aware of your surroundings and driving in a way that anticipates the actions of other drivers. For example, if you see a driver swerving in and out of their lane, it’s best to give them a wide berth. And if you’re approaching an intersection, be sure to look both ways before proceeding, even if you have the right of way. By being a defensive driver, you can help avoid accidents by being prepared for the actions of other drivers.

Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. And while handheld devices like cell phones are often to blame, many other things can distract drivers. Eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, and even talking to passengers can all take a driver’s attention away from the road. That’s why it’s important to avoid distractions whenever possible. If you need to do something that will take your attention away from driving, pull over to a safe location first. By avoiding distractions, you can help ensure you’re always paying attention to the road and what’s happening around you.

Never Drive Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Not only does it impair your ability to drive, but it also puts you at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. Even if you feel like you’re fine to drive, keep in mind that your reflexes, judgment, and coordination are all impaired when you’re under the influence, even after a small amount of alcohol. So if you’re going to be drinking, make sure to have a designated driver or take public transportation. And if you’re taking medication that could affect your driving, be sure to check with your doctor first to see if it’s safe for you to operate a vehicle.

Drive the Speed Limit

Speed LImit is set for a reason. It’s the fastest speed at which you can safely travel under ideal conditions. But of course, road conditions are rarely ideal. That’s why it’s important to always drive below the speed limit, especially when the roads are wet or icy, visibility is poor, or there’s heavy traffic. By driving the speed limit, you can help ensure you have enough time to react to any potential hazards on the road. And if you ever get involved in an accident, driving the speed limit can help reduce the severity of the collision. It will also help you avoid getting a ticket, which can lead to points on your license and increased insurance rates.

Even though car travel is relatively safe, there are always risks involved. By following these tips, you can help ensure your safety on the road. Just remember to always drive responsibly and be prepared for anything and you will increase your chances of arriving at your destination safely.

Unfortunately for many of us, the holidays approaching means one thing — travel. And travel means we’re going to be spending some money. Of course, we want to spend the holidays with our families. But that can get expensive — flights, hotels, meals on the road — it adds up fast. And that’s on top of buying gifts!

Since AI tools like ChatGPT first became available, people have found all sorts of creative ways to use them. You might not think of AI as a way to save money on travel, but ChatGPT can help with that, too. Here are a few of the ways you can use ChatGPT to make your holiday trips more affordable this year.

Estimate How Much Your Trip Will Cost

Before you get too far into planning all the details, you probably want to know how much your trip will cost. You can use ChatGPT to get a rough idea. Tell it where you’re going, when you’re traveling, how many people are traveling, and how long you’re staying — and it can break down all the costs for travel, lodging, food, activities and so on. It will make an educated guess at the typical cost for each category and then total them up for you. This is a nice way to quickly get a ballpark figure without looking up all the prices and guessing yourself.

For example, ChatGPT could tell you what airfare tends to cost during the holidays, based on how far in advance you’re booking. It would do the same for each category, considering the cost of food and everything else at your destination.

This is great information to have because you can look at where your money will be going and where you might be able to cut back. Maybe you don’t need to rent a car or maybe you can limit your dining out.

Compare Accommodations

If you’re visiting family for the holidays, they might not have a lot of extra space for guests — or maybe you just need a place where you can take a break from them. You need to find someplace affordable where you can stay that’s also nearby. ChatGPT can help you with this, by comparing your options for hotels or rentals.

Try asking it for recommendations on the most affordable neighborhoods near your family. You could also ask for advice on how to adjust your search settings to narrow down what you’re looking for.

Once you start finding a few potential places to stay, you have a thousand browser tabs open. That can get overwhelming really fast. So let ChatGPT sort through the chaos. Copy and paste the details of each listing and let ChatGPT weigh their pros and cons.

Help You Pack Smarter

It’s easy to overpack when you’re bringing gifts for the whole family. If you have too many bags, or if they’re too heavy, you’re going to run into your airline’s baggage limits, and you’ll end up spending more than you can afford on baggage fees.

But ChatGPT can help you pack smarter. Ask it for tips on how to stay under your airline’s limits. Tell it what gifts you’re bringing, and how long you’re staying, and it can help you pack more efficiently.

Earn and Use Your Travel Rewards

Ask ChatGPT how to make the most of your credit card’s travel rewards program. Just tell it what specific card you have. It can explain complicated point systems in simple terms. This could help you save money or earn points toward your next trip.

Maybe you already have a stash of frequent flier miles or reward points you’ve been saving up. ChatGPT can help you figure out the best ways to use your rewards. For example, it can tell you about loyalty programs that your credit card has partnered with — like hotels or airlines — so that you can transfer your points.

There’s additional documentation needed you might not be aware of

For those looking to head to the US, Visa and entry requirements can be a little more complicated than for the typical quick European getaway. And despite being close allies, Brits still need to apply for special documentation to enter the country.

Passport requirements to enter the US are relatively relaxed. In many countries, travellers need at least six months of validity remaining on their passport to enter.

However, for those looking to visit the US, passports need only be valid for the duration of their planned visit. It’s important to remember if you’re travelling through a different country that there may be different requirements for this.

What is an ESTA?

An ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation Visa Waiver, is a document which anyone without a visa or US passport needs to enter the country. These can be applied for online through US Customs and Border Protection.

All UK citizens will need to apply for an ESTA if their trip is less than 90 days, even if you’ll only be in the US for a brief period of time such as a connecting flight or ship. However, you won’t be able to apply for an ESTA if you’ve been arrested, have a criminal record, have been refused entry or have been deported from the US or if you’ve previously overstayed under an ESTA waiver.

People who have been in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen on or after March 2011 cannot normally apply for an ESTA, according to the UK Government website. Those who have travelled to or been in Cuba after January 12, 2021, also can’t apply for an ESTA.

What are the US Visa requirements?

If you’re planning to stay for more than 90 days in the country, or can’t apply for an ESTA, you must apply for a US Visa. Those looking for more information on the US Visa application process can find this online.

The UK Government advises that travellers plan their application as far in advance as possible before travelling, as appointments at the US embassy in London are limited.

Other requirements

There are currently no Covid-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the US. Details of other vaccination requirements can be found online.

Rules on which goods can be taken in or out of the US are strict. Travellers must declare anything which may be prohibited or subject to duty or tax.

Children under 17 must also have a valid ESTA, be able to provide evidence on the purpose, location and length of their trip. They must also have written consent from one or both parents if travelling alone, with only one parent or someone who is not a parent or guardian.

Here are some practical tips to maintain personal hygiene during flights

It’s crucial to practice good hygiene habits while traveling. It can help in preventing illness and minimize the spread of germs. Dr. Subhashree Samantaray, Infectious Diseases Specialist, Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar shares some practical tips to maintain personal hygiene during flights:

Hydration is Key

• Cabin air is typically dry with humidity levels often below 20%, which can lead to dehydration.
• Drink water regularly throughout the flight. Steer clear of alcohol and caffeine in excess as these will further dehydrate you.

Hand Hygiene

• Airplanes are shared spaces with many high-touch surfaces, making them potential hotspots for germs.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) when soap isn’t available. To lower the risk of infection, avoid touching your face, especially the areas around your mouth, nose, and eyes.
  

  Oral Hygiene

• Dry mouth can be a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to bad breath and an increased risk of oral infections.
• Rinse your mouth with water after meals. Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, helping to keep your mouth moist.

Respiratory Hygiene

• Respiratory infections, including colds and flu, are easily spread in close quarters like an airplane cabin.
• Wear a mask, especially if you or others around you are showing symptoms of illness. To stop the spread of germs, cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands.

Skin Care

• Dry cabin air can lead to skin dehydration, irritation, and even exacerbation of skin conditions like eczema.
• Apply a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer before and during the flight. Lip balm is also essential to prevent chapped lips.

Infection Control

• In a closed environment like an airplane, germs can spread easily, leading to various infections.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as tray tables, armrests, and seatbelts, with disinfectant wipes. Carrying your own blanket and pillow can further reduce exposure to germs.

Gastrointestinal Comfort

• Eat light meals and avoid gas-producing foods before and during the flight. Consider bringing over-the-counter remedies for indigestion or gas if you’re prone to these issues.
• Moving around time-to-time during a long flight helps with both circulation and reduce the feeling of discomfort.

Sleep Hygiene

• Poor sleep quality during long flights can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
• Bring a sleep mask and earplugs to help create a restful environment. Try to maintain a sleep routine if you’re on a long flight.

Post-Flight Hygiene

• The flight environment can leave you feeling unclean and increase the risk of skin irritation and infections.
• Shower as soon as possible after your flight to cleanse your skin and refresh your body. Pay attention to areas prone to irritation, such as underarms and feet.

Travel vaccines

• Before travelling abroad, be up to date with routine vaccinations like MMR, DTaP, Polio and influenza.
• Consult with your doctor or visit a designated ‘Adult Immunization clinic’ for destination-specific vaccine advices like COVID-19, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and meningococcal vaccines including malaria chemoprophylaxis.
• Keep a copy of your vaccination records, as you may have to produce it at the time of immigration at international airports.