The next few weeks will be filled with holiday parties, New Year's bashes and plenty of revelry. In a perfect world, these gatherings would take place nearby – or perhaps even in your own home – but in reality, you've probably got to travel for at least one of these parties. When you're on the roads in these upcoming weeks, keep a few simple driving tips in mind to stay safe and secure. 

Get in the holiday spirit
One of the easiest ways to stay safe on the roads is to be nice to others. Aggressive or hotheaded drivers can cause serious problems. Rather than put yourself in the bullseye, practice defensive driving and share the holiday spirit with others. Let drivers merge ahead of you, don't cut in front of cars and be conscious of blind spots you may be encroaching on. This will help you steer clear of potentially dangerous motorists. 

Turn your lights on
There are many types of drivers on the roads during the holidays, so make sure you are visible to all of them. Use your headlights often, even if you don't think it's that dark or difficult to see. Fellow drivers could have worse vision, more distractions or numerous other obstructions, and by following this tip, you can make it easier for these motorists to identify your car. 

Get an auto tune-up 
Never underestimate the power a tune-up can have on your car's status. Instead of blindly pulling out onto the roads, head to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto. There, a professional can scope out your car and make sure it's ready to safely navigate the roads. This garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. 

Stay connected
Even if your car has been cleared by an expert, there's still a chance you could get hung up by weather or incidents with other drivers. It's important to be in a position to calmly and quickly react to these situations. AAA recommended drivers have emergency contact information on hand and easily accessible. Good phone numbers to have include some kind of roadside assistance and friend or family member who can provide a lift if necessary. Additionally, drivers should have an adaptable cellphone charger ready to go in their vehicles. In the event of an accident, a dead phone isn't much use, so make sure you're ready to communicate at all times.