Freedom From Traffic Accidents Celebrate Independence Day safely.

 

 

More than 40 million Americans are expected to hit the road this Fourth of July weekend, and when you're behind the wheel, it seems like all  40 million drivers are right in front of you.

 

This holiday period, which at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 29, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4 will bring increased traffic.  With the Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday this year, the holiday weekend will cover an even longer period of time. Motorists need to use extra caution throughout these days.

 

Common sense can help you steer clear of the worst traffic. Friday afternoon and Friday evening are the times of heaviest traffic even when it's not a holiday. When Friday is the beginning of a long holiday weekend, the traffic surge will be even greater. If it's at all possible to avoid driving during Friday rush hour, you'll find that it will save you lots of frustration and delay.   

 

Many cities now have special radio frequencies where you can dial in on the A.M band to hear about traffic on the way. This makes it easier to avoid accidents, delays and other unexpected happenings.

 

If you'll be one of the 40 million Americans on the highways this Fourth of July, here are a few tips to make it a great trip:

• Buckle your seat belt and make sure your passengers do also. It’s the best defense in a traffic crash. Children 40 inches in height or less must use a child safety restraint that meets federal standards. Children over 40 inches tall must wear a seat belt.
• Slow down. Excessive speed reduces your ability to avoid a crash, extends your vehicle’s stopping distance and increases the severity of a crash if it occurs.
• Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, passing on the shoulder of the road, changing lanes without signaling, violating traffic signals and weaving in and out of traffic.
• Be extra-attentive in construction zones. Look for the orange warning signs, follow posted speed limits, leave adequate space between vehicles, obey road crew flaggers, watch for workers and sudden stops and be prepared for changing road surfaces and traffic patterns.
• Watch for road debris, such as tire treads, garbage, lumber, gravel, tree limbs, mufflers and exhaust parts.
• Avoid fatigue by taking frequent breaks, particularly on long-distance trips.
• Pay full attention to the road whenever you get behind the wheel. Avoid distractions.
• Don’t tailgate. Always maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
• Always signal your intentions in advance. Use turn signals.
• Use headlights during times of low visibility, including rain, fog and twilight.

Published 06/08/07