The winter months coupled with holiday preparations and celebrations can be a deadly mix.  Keep you and your loved ones safe. Remember to:

Designate a Driver: When attending a party, always designate a non- drinking driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving.

Stay Focused: When driving, focus of the road. Talking/texting on your cell  phone or doing other behaviors such as eating, takes your mind and eyes off the road.

Buckle up: During the holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Ensure that all passengers are wearing safety belts.

Be Prepared: Tune-up your vehicle for the winter. Get windshield wipers, fluid levels, battery, headlights, and brakes checked. Carry a safety kit and extra supplies in your car to keep you warm and safe should you become stranded. Have back-up travel routes identified prior to heading out in the event of detours.

Clear the Car: Before you drive, clear all ice and snow off your car, including the windows and front and rear headlights. Clear any loose snow from your hood and roof to prevent it blowing onto your windshield or onto another car while you are driving.

Let Someone Know When You Go: Let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be there. In the event you don’t arrive at your destination as planned, someone will know to start looking for you.

In the event of an emergency, be prepared. The Yellow Dot Program at Paoli Hospital provides detailed medical information of drivers and passengers to first responders at the scene of an accident.