CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Dec. 22, 2025) — With millions of people anticipated to travel by car, plane and train this holiday season, the American Red Cross of Wyoming is reminding travelers to take simple steps to arrive safely.  

This is especially important for those driving to their holiday destination, which has the highest fatality rate of any major form of motorized transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). A recently released NSC analysis projects that crowded roadways and impaired drivers could result in more than 850 traffic-related deaths and an estimated 98,000 injuries nationwide combined during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s travel seasons. 

"Before you head out the door to visit friends, family or loved ones, make sure you're properly prepared for the trip ahead," said Janet Lewis, executive director of the Red Cross of Wyoming. "Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition if you're driving, never drive while impaired and regardless of how you’re traveling, make sure you have a way to receive emergency information."

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY  

The Red Cross encourages everyone to avoid traveling, if possible, during any sort of severe winter weather, such as high winds, freezing rain or snow.  If you must travel, make sure to follow these important safety tips, regardless of if you’re traveling by car, plane or train: 

• Share your travel plans with someone you trust, such as a family member, including what time you plan to leave and when you plan to arrive. 
• Check weather forecasts and plan around storms. 
• Take time now to learn alternate routes and ways to get where you need to go. There are often multiple ways to reach a destination, and winter storms can lead to highway and mountain pass closures if conditions are severe enough. 
• Find out what disasters may occur in the place where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems). 
• If you are taking your pet with you, there are special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable. 

TRAVELING BY CAR

In addition to avoiding travel by car during severe winter weather, the Red Cross encourages drivers to avoid peak travel times and make sure they and their vehicle are road-trip ready.

To be road-trip ready, you should: 

• Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle. This includes high-protein snacks, water, a first aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, blanket, jumper cables, map, cellphone charger and an emergency contact card containing names and phone numbers 
• Let someone know the route you are taking, in addition to when you are leaving and when you plan to arrive. 
• Ensure that your vehicle’s headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows are clean to improve visibility, and make sure all lights are in working condition. 
• Make sure that your vehicle has a full gas tank before you leave. 
• Make sure all passengers are using their seat belts, and that children are in an appropriate seat for their age and size. 

When driving to your destination, follow these tips: 

• Buckle up, slow down and don't drive impaired.  
• Give your full attention to the road and avoid distractions like cell phones.  
• Be well rested and alert while behind the wheel. If you are too tired to drive, stop and get some rest before continuing. 
• Make frequent stops. Rotate drivers on long trips and take breaks to avoid fatigue.  
• Use caution in work zones and observe speed limits; driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision. 
• Be aware of road conditions and adjust your speed as they change. Do not use cruise control in wintry conditions.  
  • Be especially cautious on ramps, bridges and overpasses, which freeze before other roadways. 
  • If driving a high-profile vehicle, be aware of high wind conditions. These can pose a danger even without snow or ice.
•  Don't follow another vehicle too closely and be respectful of other motorists by following the rules of the road. Sudden stops are more difficult in wet or icy conditions. 
  • Follow rules concerning the use of snow chains if your vehicle and/or road conditions require them. 
• Turn on your headlights as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather. 
• Don't overdrive your headlights; drive at a safe speed so that you can stop in time if your headlights reveal a hazard in the road ahead. 
• If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible. 

TRAVELING BY TRAIN OR PLANE 

When flying or taking a train, remember that surfaces are shared. Handle your own belongings, wash hands often, and carry sanitizer and wipes. Bring your own pillow and blanket to shield against surfaces. Avoid touching your face and sneeze or cough into a tissue or sleeve. If you've been sick or exposed to illness, consider postponing your trip — flu and COVID season is active, and you may be contagious before symptoms appear. 

NEED EMERGENCY INFO? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT  

The free Red Cross Emergency app provides weather alerts, safety steps for different emergencies and expert advice in both English and Spanish. You can also use the free Red Cross First Aid app for guidance on managinginjuries, including lifesaving CPR instructions. Download these apps by searching "American Red Cross" in your app store or by visiting redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.