The upcoming holidays will bring family and friends together to close out 2017. Unfortunately, some will choose to make life-threatening driving decisions while behind the wheel. Lieutenant Carl Heintz, District 1 Interim Commander, encourages everyone to enjoy the holidays, but to do so responsibly.
Lt. Heintz would also like to remind drivers that Saturday, December 23, is Scott’s Law Day. Troopers will be extra vigilant for drivers who fail to slow down or move over, for vehicles with emergency flashers on the interstate.
Don’t ruin anyone’s festivities this holiday season. Be accountable for your actions behind the wheel, and drive responsibly.
1. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death in the U. S., and traffic crashes are largely preventable.
2. If you are traveling during the holidays, please be accountable for your actions, and do your part to prevent a traffic crash. If you will be attending a holiday celebration where alcohol is involved, please make sure you use a designated driver, or make necessary arrangements to ensure an intoxicated person does not get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
3. Before you start your trip, make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up. It is estimated that the risk of fatal injuries is cut in half when seat belts are properly worn.
4. Be sure to eliminate distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for any reason is not a good idea. Looking at a cell phone for five seconds at 55 mph is like driving blind for the length of a football field.
5. Be sure to watch your speed. The faster you are going, the less time you have to react when trying to avoid a crash. Furthermore, the faster you are going, the greater the chance of a crash resulting in serious injury.