KEEP YOUR SLEIGH SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASONCharlie's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts Offer Tips for Safe Driving During the Holidays

Charlie's CARSTAR Auto Body of Cahokia, IL (November 2010) – Whether you’re on the road to grandmother’s house or just heading to the mall for some last-minute shopping, it’s smart to take a few precautions to prevent the holiday headache of an accident.

Heavy traffic, drivers distracted with holiday plans and winter weather create the perfect storm for drivers during December. In fact, it’s one of the highest months for traffic accidents.

But with proper preparation, some preventative driving measures and an eye on the weather report, drivers can protect themselves and their vehicles during the holiday season.

The experts on holiday driving accidents, Charlie's CARSTAR Auto Body of Cahokia, IL Repair Experts, repairs thousands of vehicles each year damaged in snowy, icy accidents. Charlie's CARSTAR Auto Body offers drivers some helpful tips to make holiday driving safer.

Keep In Mind:

• Check your route: Look up road conditions in advance to know if there will be any delays

• Turn down the Jingle Bells: Reduce distractions such as loud music

• Stay in touch: Bring a cell phone in case of emergencies

• Protect yourself: Always wear a seat belt

• Take a break: If you are traveling a distance, take breaks or even a quick nap at a rest stop to stay alert

• Don’t invite theft: Presents in the back seat are more inviting than cookies and milk for Santa. Lock them in the trunk to prevent break-ins

• Don't Text and Drive: Texting and driving can not only potentially harm you and your family but other drivers. Keep the phone stored for emergencies. When it is necessary to send a message, safely pull to the side first

Check Your Visibility:

• Check your visibility: Make sure all mirrors are clear and properly adjusted

• Update your wipers: Make sure your windshield wipers are free of ice before heading out on the road –

and consider updating with new flexible windshield wipers before the snow hits

• Fill your fluids: Add de-icer to your windshield wiper fluid

• Look at your lights: Clean hazed headlights and check bulbs in all of your vehicle lights – front and rear

Slow Down and Stay Back:

• Watch out for holiday revelers: Some drivers may consume a few beverages before hitting the roadways. Remain alert and watch other drivers in case they begin to swerve

• Keep it slow: When there is snow or ice on the ground, drop your speed 10 to 20 MPH below the speed limit

• Allow some space: Leave at least two to three car lengths between your vehicle and the car in front of you

• Cruise with caution: Do not use cruise control on icy roads

• Stay alert to the surface: Use caution on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently traveled roads because these may be slippery from ice and use extra caution when driving on one-lane roads

Prepare for a Snow Day:

• Weight it out: If your vehicle has rear wheel drive, put bags of sand, litter or bricks to help keep your vehicle easier to control

• Stock up on supplies: Pack a snow day kit just in case you get stuck. Important items to include are a blanket, gloves, hat, water, granola bars, flashlight and extra batteries, extra cell phone battery, flares, compass, scissors, rope, wooden patches in waterproof container and first aid kit.

• Take your tools: Prepare a toolbox for digging your car out with fold-able shovel, 2x4 planks to put under tires, ice scraper and snow brush, reflective triangles, flares and exterior windshield cleaner

You can never be too careful when driving in holiday traffic and in winter weather. Accidents can happen so quickly on slick, icy roads, so slowing down and taking the extra precautions can really make the difference. An accident is never easy to deal with, but having an accident during the holidays can really put a cramp in the holiday cheer. An extra measure of safety is always the perfect present during the yuletide season. For more tips on dealing with an accident or having your car repaired after a collision, visit www.auto-body-cahokia-il.com.

If the unfortunate holiday accident does occurs have a collision plan in place so you aren’t stranded on the roadside waiting for assistance. For information and store locations visit Charlie's CARSTAR Auto Body of Cahokia, IL

About CARSTAR CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts is the largest group of branded collision repair facilities in North America with over 400 locally owned and operated locations in 30 states and 10 Canadian provinces. CARSTAR is committed to providing consistent quality services to our customers and insurance partners and has repaired more than 2.5 million vehicles since it was founded in 1989. Our technicians and front office staff receive ongoing training to ensure they are qualified to work on any vehicle. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority as we consistently lead the industry in customer satisfaction ratings.