Holiday Travel Tips

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – During the holiday season, many Ohioans stray from their familiar work commute to make the traditional trek to visit friends and family.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Zanesville Post Commander Kristi Mistovich offers some safety tips that can make smooth sailing out of the holiday voyage. 

“So obviously, Thanksgiving’s one of the premier holidays going into this holiday season,” Mistovich said. “It’s expected travel is just to be increased over millions, especially here in Muskingum County, having a major interstate with a lot of state travel coming through the area. So we expect to see a high volume and an influx in traffic.”

She noted that accidents are down 15 percent, this year in Muskingum County but figures that number will change as winter weather approaches.

“I think that first weather kind of always surprises everybody so adjust your weather… or adjust your driving to the weather conditions before you leave,” Mistovich said. “I always say do a quick safety check of your vehicle. Are my wipers working? Are my headlights both good? And then just allow yourself the time as the conditions were to change throughout the day. I would say, just plan ahead. Even if it’s a route you’re familiar with, you’re going to a family member that’s just down the road. Just check to see if there’s any hazardous road conditions at the time.”

Mistovich encourages motorists that encounter unsafe or wreckless driving behaviors to maintain a safe distance and call #677 to describe the vehicle and report the concern.