Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Summer Driving Safety Tips

Summer is here. Schools are out and vacations are in. So now seems like a good time to remind Loudoun County's motorists about summer driving safety.

America's Road Team Captains, elite professional truck drivers chosen by the American Trucking Associations, are offering advice on how to navigate through highway traffic and arrive at your destination safely. Tips include:
  • Plan your route: Know where you are going and be prepared to exit. Indecisive driving is a major cause of traffic problems.
  • Keep extra water in your vehicle: Just as you keep a winter driving kit in your vehicle, it is important to be prepared when driving during the summer months. Keep plenty of extra water, sunscreen and non-perishable snacks in your car in case you are stranded.
  • Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
  • Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to summer travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space and reduce your speed.
  • Wait until parked to use cell phones: Driver inattentiveness is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident.
  • Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
  • Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

Let's have a safe and happy summer on the roadways Loudoun County!

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