State Urges Caution on Roadways During Holidays

With Christmas just days away and gas prices the lowest in years, many will be taking to the highways and Interstates beginning today to spend the holidays with family and loved ones.

That is why the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is reminding motorists of a few simple safety precautions to take before heading out.

Director Harris Blackwood said his office wants everyone to make it to their destination safely.

“We want our folks in Northeast Georgia to be the kind of folks who are paying attention and get there safely,” Blackwood said. “We don’t want local or state law enforcement to have to knock on somebody’s door during the holidays to tell them a loved one has been killed or injured. We want everyone to do those safe things: don’t drink and drive, put down the cell phone and buckle up.”

But Blackwood says now is also the time to turn your attention to your car.

“We always tell people to buckle up, slow down, drive sober and put down the cell phone, but now is also the time to turn your attention to your car,” said GOHS Director Harris Blackwood. “Walk around your vehicle. Check your tire pressure and tread and make sure all lights are in working order.”

AAA recommends taking the following steps to ensure the safety of your vehicle during winter travel:

• Get a vehicle checkup that includes the electrical system, brake system, tires, exhaust, heating and electrical system.
• Prepare a winter driving kit that includes a bag of abrasive material such as salt or sand, a small snow shovel, ice scraper, traction mats, flashlight, window-washing solvent, gloves, cloth or paper towels, booster cables, blanket, warning flares or triangles and a cell phone.
• Correct seat position so that the driver is no closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel.
• Check and just mirrors.
• And adjust seatbelts so they are positioned low across the hips and the shoulder harness is positioned across the center of the chest.
Data shows that taking these safety steps is crucial during the holiday travel season particularly because of the increase in unbelted and alcohol-related crashes.

Another holiday safety hazard that can be just as dangerous as drunk driving is drowsy driving. More than 1,500 people die each year from sleep-related crashes.

Blackwood advises drivers make sure they are fully rested and alert before getting on the road.

Also, if you have a long drive, don’t try to fit too many miles into one trip, but stop and stretch and take a break several times to ensure you make it to your destination safely.