Students should take extra time to plan for travel home, stay safe when driving
In the rush to get home to see friends and family, many University of Idaho students forget to plan a safe car ride home and take unnecessary risks on roads prone to unsafe conditions.
The trip to and from Moscow has proven to be a treacherous one for many UI students. Many holiday travelers are involved in car accidents every year while driving home during the winter breaks.
Some accidents result in nothing more than a fender bender, while others unfortunately end with the death of a fellow student.
Most accidents can be avoided by planning ahead. It might seem like common sense, but a little extra planning before heading home can prevent a life-changing or life-ending car accident.
Before leaving Moscow, students should check the weather forecast and be prepared to postpone travel plans for a day or two until any predicted bad weather clears up. Students traveling south to Boise should pay careful attention around the McCall area, which is known for its steep roads and slippery, winding two-lane highway.
Winter roads should be driven with caution, since car accidents and associated fatalities are almost always due to bad weather.
While most accidents involving UI students do not result in fatalities, the ones that do take their toll on the campus community.
“Some of those are burned very deeply into my memory,” said Bruce Pitman, dean of students and vice provost of student affairs.
He said students should consider stopping for the night at a nearby town if the weather gets too bad.
Checking tire pressure, oil levels and taking your car into a mechanic for a check up can all prevent a vehicle malfunction while traveling long distances. Students should also pack emergency blankets, warm clothes and extra food in case vehicle troubles leave them stranded in freezing temperatures.
To prevent an accident in the first place, students should make sure they are well rested and alert while driving long distances. Limiting distractions inside of the car, like music and pets, can increase a driver’s attentiveness.
Keep in mind bad weather can also delay a timely return to campus. Students ought to give themselves enough time to return to campus without missing their last classes heading into finals.
UI also offers a Holiday Break Bus that provides charter bus trips to Southern Idaho and Portland. The bus trips are low-cost and provide a safe transportation option for students looking to get home in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
After 10 straight weeks without a day off, this is a well-deserved break for students. Taking a little time to prepare for holiday travel will also make it a safe one.
–RT