This weekend, millions of Americans will take to the roads and skies to see loved ones for Christmas. As with any high-traffic holiday, safety behind the wheel is important.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration gives the following tips to ensure safe traveling before you leave and while you’re driving:

• Plan before you leave. Check the 511 telephone service for updates, such as traffic jams, severe accidents, or construction work in your area.

• Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, particularly if the weather is foul.

• On slick roads, give yourself three times more space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Don’t tailgate other drivers.

• Always wear a seat belt.

• SLOW DOWN if the weather is bad. The U.S. DOT said there are approximately 6,500 fatalities and 450,000 injuries from crashes that occur during bad weather.