‘Twas the night before Christmas when panic set in,
And Driving Dynamics’ got a call from a friend.
Mrs. Claus phoned the team about an elf that’s been bold,
And that’s where our story of helping Santa unfolds…
“Santa my darling,” said Mrs. Claus, with a calm grin,
“The elves were out earlier, joy riding again.
Now the sled’s beaten up and the reins a bit stuck,
So for this Christmas Eve, you must take the truck.”
“I’ve called Driving Dynamics to teach all you need to know.
They are eager and happy to prepare you for driving in snow.
Give the deer the night off but take an elf (or two)
And follow Driving Dynamics’ safety advice so you’ll know what to do.”
Driving a truck is not like steering your sled
And if you don’t do it safely, you could wind up dead!
The team at DD are experts on safe driving,
So, you don’t need to worry about not arriving.
By practicing proper looking, steering and braking skills,
“They said your trip will go smoothly, without any spills!”
Santa paused a moment but then listened to his wife
For ignoring Driving Dynamics may cost him his life!
So straight away he enrolled in a class called DriveReady™
Santa knew it was the smart thing, to drive safe, sure and steady.
First thing to do, the DD instructor explained, is check out your ride.
Look over and under and around every side.
When driving in winter, clear snow or ice from windows and lights,
Off the hood and roof, too, so as not to impede sight.
Be sure to fasten your seat belt before pulling away
We all want Santa to get home safely on Christmas day!
Keep two hands on the wheel, at nine and three.
You’ll keep better control of your vehicle, just wait and see!
Unlike your sleigh, trucks must be driven slow,
So, you don’t lose control and end up in snow.
To avoid road rage and rear-end collisions,
Maintain your safety zone and make good decisions!
Don’t tailgate, don’t speed, keep your eyes on the road.
Be careful because all those presents add quite the load!
Remember, cruise control is no good in rain, snow, or ice
Even four-wheel drive is not an invincible device
The truck has ABS, so don’t pump the brakes
To slow down safely, simply ‘stomp’ down for heavens sakes
If you start to skid, move your foot from the gas and cover the brakes,
Look where you want to go and keep steering there. That’s all it takes!
Driving Dynamics says don’t panic, or pump, or swerve side to side.
Stay calm and drive safely, or this could be your last ride.
If you’re stuck in the snow, turn your wheels, but don’t spin,
You’ll just dig yourself deeper and get stuck again!
Also carry a shovel, litter, salt, gravel, or sand
These things in the truck, no doubt, will give you a hand.
To be fully prepared, there are a few more things to take,
A safe, warm, and less stressful trip they will make!
A blanket, matches, whistle, flashlight, and rope,
A change of clothes and some food will make it easier to cope.
Keep your cell phone handy, but don’t call and drive.
And definitely don’t text while steering to assure you safely arrive!
If you follow these rules, you’ll be well on your way,
So you can deliver the toys before Christmas Day!
To keep his skills sharp, Santa thought the best thing to do
Was also take a DrivActiv elesson™ or two.
Santa stood up and smiled. Jumped up off his bed.
He had listened to all that Driving Dynamics had said.
He went outside checking the truck over, under, and side to side,
Loaded the toys and prepared for his ride.
Just before Santa took off on that dark, starry night,
He exclaimed,
“Thank you Driving Dynamics for saving Christmas tonight!”
The holiday season might be the most dangerous driving period, but it doesn’t have to be if you prepare and follow the rules of the road. Don’t forget to drive safe, plan out your route ahead of time and avoid any distractions to ensure a safe arrival.
Happy Holiday and Warm Wishes from all of us at Driving Dynamics!
Adapted from “A Visit from St. Nicholas”, Clement Clarke Moore, 1837