Every year, as Santa travels more than a million miles to deliver presents all over the world, he must consider all the possible problems he might encounter on Christmas Eve. Yes, even Santa must plan his trip well, anticipating problems that could develop along the way and how to cope with them.

Last year, drones were Santa’s main problem — drones everywhere, making it very difficult for Santa to navigate. However, he doesn’t expect drones to be a problem this year, as he has installed new radar on his sleigh that will help him avoid any drones that might be in his way.

But, there’s a new problem for Santa to solve, and that is “tariffs.” Countries all around the world are imposing tariffs and counter-tariffs, to the extent that Santa isn’t sure of just how to cope with this new problem. And, it’s really not just a money issue — it’s the extra time to determine which gifts have tariffs, and if he needs to pay the tariffs or they will be exempt.

We should all feel sorry for Santa. He is getting older every year, and more and more problems keep cropping up that make his Christmas Eve journey more difficult. Thankfully, Santa is a problem solver and has always found a way to solve problems and complete his annual worldwide journey to deliver toys and presents to young boys and girls.

Just as Santa is a problem solver and a planner, two necessary traits to be able to cope with adversities, drivers must plan and be prepared to cope with whatever they might encounter, such as bad weather, car problems, stupid things other drivers do, traffic jams, etc.

Assuming Santa’s radar will assist him while flying, and that he will somehow figure out how to deal with the tariff problem, the biggest remaining concerns are drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, or who drive much too fast or are distracted by a multitude of possible bad behaviors. Luckily, most of Santa’s travels are airborne — speeding, impaired or distracted drivers are a concern to Santa only when he is on the ground. But these are always a concern to us as we drive along our roads and highways.

We can all help Santa travel this Christmas Eve safely while driving on our roads and highways. Let’s not speed or drive after consuming alcohol or drugs, and let’s all pay full attention to our driving and not fiddle with controls, eat, text or talk on our cellphones — even if it’s hands-free. Always paying 100% attention to our driving would be a huge plus, not only for Santa but for all drivers and passengers in our cars and trucks. And let’s do it all the time, not just on Christmas Eve.

As Santa might say, “it’s better to celebrate the season with a Ho-Ho-Ho than an Oh-No or Uh-Oh.”

To everyone, from all of us on the Franklin County Traffic Safety Board, have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, a safe holiday season and a prosperous 2026!