Cass County Government: Summer Road Trip Safety Tips

Fargo ND

20 June, 2022

2:59 PM

Description

Press release from the Cass County Government: June 17, 2022 The temperatures are warmer, a slushy is thought of as a frozen treat instead of a dangerous driving condition, school is finally out, and many beloved tourist destinations are in their operating prime. It is road trip season! Every year, millions of Americans go on a summer road trip, and unfortunately, too many of those Americans do not make it home. Data from the North Dakota Department of Transportation Highway Safety Division shows that more motor vehicle crashes resulting in at least one fatality happen during warm weather months (May-October) than during cold weather months (November-April). Safety precautions before and while using a motor vehicle should always be taken regardless of the time of year! However, with the elevated number of deaths from summer crashes, I want to share some guidance on how to make this a safer road trip season for you and your loved ones! Seat belts save lives! Keep yourself and your passengers safe by making sure everyone is secure with appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts during your journey. Is your vehicle up to date on regular maintenance? Consider scheduling a preventative check-up with a local mechanic before you hit the road! Don't forget to check your lights, tires, fluid levels, wiper blades, oil, heating/cooling system, and for safety recalls on your vehicle. Even if everything under the hood is running smoothly, there is always a chance for car trouble. Store an emergency roadside kit in your trunk in case of a break down! Traveling with young passengers? To avoid hearing the dreaded question of "Are we there yet?" repeatedly, among dealing with other distracting behaviors, bring activities and technology to entertain littles ones. The less passenger distractions, the more you will be able to focus your attention on getting everyone to your destination safely. Don't overpack! If you have too many stacked bags and supplies, you may create unnecessary blind spots inside your vehicle. Also, in the case of a flat tire, the more items in your trunk, the more items you may need to unload to reach your spare. If you're going to be traveling to another state, do your research! Traffic laws often vary from state to state. Safety first, but savings second! With continuously rising gas prices, road trips are already an expensive vacation option this summer. Save yourself from an unexpected and preventable fine. Are you worried about highway maintenance affecting your trip? Visit the 511 websites of the states you will be traveling in to view road conditions, construction areas, and other possible delays. Heading somewhere you've never been before? Eliminate a distraction by programming your GPS before you put your vehicle into drive. If you have a passenger, designate them as the navigator! Packing your own snacks or cooler can help you cut down on road trip costs. However, eating or drinking while driving takes your hands off the wheel and attention away from the road! Decrease your risk of being in a crash, and utilize a rest stop or local park to enjoy your food and drink. If your eyelids are heavy and the yawns keep on coming, it's time for a pit stop! Drowsy driving can affect your judgement and reaction time. Don't put yourself or others at risk. Your destination will still be there when you're done taking a rest! It is everyone's personal responsibility to be safe on our roadways. Take the additional steps to be prepared for a road trip and make our roadways safe for you and the other motor vehicles around you this summer! This press release was produced by the Cass County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.