Have a safe Memorial Day weekend—observe the “Rules of the Road!”

Memorial Day weekend is a time for many people across the United States to take a long-awaited vacation and visit family members and friends all across America. Thousands of holiday travelers pack up and hit the road, often driving many miles to spend time with their loved ones.

Unfortunately, the significant increase in traffic, and congestion on the highways and interstates, can make traveling on Memorial Day weekend hazardous to drivers and passengers alike. As you set out this holiday weekend, please take a minute to review some helpful tips I’ve gathered which will help ensure you and your loved ones reach your destination safely.

Of course, an obvious way to protect against driving injury is to use your safety belt. Remember, buckling-up is the law in Illinois! All drivers and front seat passengers are required to wear safety belts, and all back seat passengers under age 18 must be strapped in. Children between eight and 16 years of age must be secured in either a child safety seat or safety belt, and children under age eight must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat.

The use of safety belts is the best defense for any traffic crash, saving nearly 15,000 lives in 2003 alone. Research has found that seat belts, when used properly, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50 percent. In Illinois, law enforcement is allowed to stop motorists solely for not wearing a safety belt---so buckle up this Memorial Day Weekend!

Sleep deprivation is another cause of accidents during the busy holiday seasons. Travelers are frequently on the road during unusual hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening, and often drive many hours without a break. Fatigued drivers can fall asleep at the wheel and veer off the road or into oncoming traffic. On average, drivers suffering from sleep deprivation cause more than 100,000 crashes and 1,500 deaths every year. If you are planning a road trip this holiday, get a good night’s sleep the night before, and if you become tired while driving, stop for a break! A short nap can temporarily refresh you, making you more alert for safer driving.

Drivers should also be cautious of distractions while on the road. Often holiday motorists engage in activities that draw their attention away from driving. When behind the wheel try to stray away from behaviors that divert your attention from driving, such as reading a map, adjusting the radio controls, turning to talk with other passengers, or speaking on cell phones. Although you are eager to arrive at your destination, and may be restless from the monotony of a long road trip, it is important to focus your energy on driving—for your safety and the safety of your passengers.

Also be aware that holiday travel is the cause behind many cases of “road rage,” as drivers take their holiday stress out on other motorists. Studies indicate that aggressive driving causes at least 1,500 accidents resulting in injury or death each year. This Memorial Day weekend, remember to share the road with other drivers, steer clear of the passing lane unless you are passing, keep a safe following distance—don’t tailgate, be patient and courteous, and give wide berth to any driver that is exhibiting aggressive driving behavior.

Another potential risk to your safety on the roads is impaired drivers. Often holiday parties involve alcohol. Holiday partygoers and drivers should know that alcohol-involved crashes occur most often on the weekends, especially during holidays. More than 17,000 fatalities and 500,000 injuries from alcohol-related traffic crashes occur annually. Please make the safe choice this Memorial Day Weekend and refrain from drinking and driving. If you choose to drink alcohol, plan for a designated driver or a taxi to drive you home in the evening.

Several other steps you should take to ensure safe holiday travel include:

• Servicing your vehicle before your trip. Be sure and check the battery, the vehicle lights, windshield wipers and fluid, brakes, oil level, and tires.
• Stocking your vehicle with the proper equipment and supplies, including a flash light, jumper cables, flare guns and a properly inflated spare tire.
• Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Check the latest weather and traffic information along your route.
• Prepare yourself mentally and physically before getting in the driver’s seat.
• If traveling with children, be sure and bring car-friendly toys, activities, and snacks.

 These are only a few suggestions for safe road travel, but being aware of the dangers could save your life, or the life of a loved one. I wish you all a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, and encourage you to drive carefully and courteously while traveling on all highways, interstates and roadways.