Memorial Day Safe Driving Tips

Memorial Day kicks off the season of road trips and is the first busy travel event of the year as many people take to the roadways for an extended weekend. Keeping you and your family safe on the road is our primary concern. Here are a few tips to help ensure you have a great travel weekend:

 

• Be prepared

Make sure you take your cell phone and phone charger with you. Also bring along your emergency contact phone numbers and a map if you are going in an unfamiliar area. Don’t just rely on your navigation system to get you where you are going.  Bring snacks and water with you. Plan out your trip details and know where the rest stops are.

 

• Make sure your car is in good working order

Before heading out, check all exterior lights, fluid levels, tire pressure, wiper blades and tire condition. If you’re close to your oil change mileage, err on the side of caution and get your oil change before you leave.  Also, check your State Inspection sticker.

 

• Don’t Drink and Drive

Too many accidents are attributed to alcohol.  Police departments are on high alert during the holiday weekend.  Every state has different limits, but many can still hand out “driving while impaired” tickets even if you are within the legal threshold.

 

• Obey all Traffic Signs, Especially Speed Limits

Leave early and take your time. There will be an increased amount of cars on the road, many of them rushing to get to their destinations. Keep an eye out for road construction or detours and take your time.  Don’t speed!  Excessive speed is one of the major causes of accidents.

 

• Stay alert; take breaks often

Get plenty of sleep the day before your trip. When on the road, take a break when needed. Get out of the car, walk around, grab a cup of coffee and drink plenty of water. It’s a good idea to take breaks for meals too. Driving and eating don’t mix. There are many people on the roadways, it’s important to stay alert.

 

• Load your car properly

Take your time to pack your car properly and don’t overload your vehicle.  Check the sticker on the interior of your vehicle’s doors for load capacity. Don’t block your mirrors or windows; this can cause an unsafe driving condition.  It can be helpful to make a checklist before hand and if it didn’t make the list, you probably don’t need it.

 

• Have a great Time!

Plan ahead and you and your family are sure to have a great time. Don’t book yourselves so tight you forget to relax.

This Memorial Day weekend we want you and your family to be safe and enjoy the extended weekend, but please remember why we celebrate. It’s the day we honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Our Veterans have sacrificed so much to give us our freedom and our active military watches over us, even when we think there are no threats. Osceola Garage is a proud supporter of our Veterans and Military Heroes. Find out what your family can do to commemorate Memorial Day and give tribute to our Vets here.