As we head into the Labor
Day Holiday Weekend, I encourage everyone to be safe during their travels and
celebrations.
Every year we lose lives on
our roadways and waterways by someone drinking in excess and driving-- please
don't consume alcohol and then get in the drivers seat of a boat or a car. It
is your responsibility to not only be reliable; but also set a good example be
making the right decisions.
In the past- I have stressed
the importance of all citizens taking the time and effort toward making our roadways
and waterways safer. We are out in force to make sure you are making good
choices. If you don't you will pay the price.
Here are just a few simple
tips that can make the difference between life and death:
BOATING
- Personal flotation devices – they must fit correctly, be used for the intended purposes and everyone must have one
- When it comes to children, personal flotation
devices should always be worn near any body of water
- Boating safety checklist should always be followed when operating a water craft which includes navigational lights, first aid kit, fire extinguishers and audible devices
- No operation of water craft while under the influence of alcohol – if you are going to consume alcohol while boating please use a designated Skipper and you must be over the age of 21
ROADWAYS
- If planning a "road trip" over the
holidays, have your vehicle serviced and checked out sufficiently far
ahead to allow for repairs if needed.
- Don’t forget to have the mechanic check your
spare tire and all fluid levels along with the other preventive
maintenance procedures.
- Consider keeping spare fuses and a
"breakdown kit" in your vehicle at all times.
- Breakdown kits may be purchased from a variety
of sources, or you can assemble your own at any auto parts or hardware
store using a commercial version as a guideline.
- Obtain a map or download the latest available
GPS data.
- Inform a family member where you will be and
when to expect you back; give them your route if they don't know it.
- Select well-traveled and lighted thoroughfares.
Bear in mind that routes which are congested during rush hour may be very
lightly traveled at other hours.
- Use freeways and arterial streets and avoid
less-traveled roads as much as possible, especially when driving at night
or in unfamiliar locations.
- When driving, keep doors locked and windows
rolled up at all times.
- Maintain at least half a tank of fuel, and keep vehicle in good repair.
- Check to see what conditions they report before
leaving. Visit the Federal Highway Administration's related webpage...
Here are some other ways you
can thoroughly be prepared:
Put together a “breakdown kit”:
-a thermal blanket/bag and a gallon of water
-a “HELP” sign/flag and flares/reflectors
-a flashlight (check batteries semi-annually)
-duct tape
Also consider carrying:
-a set of jumper cables, a tire gauge, and work gloves
-a few hand tools (pliers, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches)
-some rope and at least one bungee cord
-towels and a roll of toilet paper (in a plastic bag)
-a small 12-volt tire inflator
-an empty (new, never used) one-gallon gas can
Please be safe this Labor
Day weekend. Enjoy your time off with friends and family.
