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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Gabrielle
A. Prutisto |
State Rep. Joseph
Brennan |
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June 18, 2007
Safe summer driving
Guest Column from state Rep. Joseph Brennan
As summer officially begins this week, I want to remind drivers about the importance of thinking ahead before starting out on a road trip with their families. Whether you’re going to the beach, off to grandma’s house or to the amusement park with that roller-coaster the kids have been bugging you about, before you rush out the door, take the time to make sure your family and your vehicle are ready for the trip.
Think twice about leaving on a Friday after a long day at the office. It might be better to rest up and go first thing in the morning. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each year approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes, 71,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths are caused by drowsy driving. Many of the characteristics of driving while intoxicated mirror those of driving while drowsy. That’s why driving drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving drunk – you’re reaction time slows down and you aren’t aware of things going on around you.
The same goes for people who are taking medication. Read the labels or contact a doctor or pharmacist to find out if you should be driving while taking your medicine.
Parents, check to make certain your children are properly buckled in their seat belts and that young infants are safely riding in child safety seats. You can stop by any state police barracks for help making sure your child’s safety seat is properly installed and appropriate for the age and weight of your child.
A week before you leave, do a routine preventive car maintenance check. Make sure the tires are inflated properly and have the right amount of tread, your oil and other fluids are filled, and your breaks are working properly. Stock up on water and other emergency supplies in case you break down.
Last, but just as important, leave enough time to get to your destination safely -- without speeding -- and always buckle your seatbelt. Many driving fatalities today are avoidable. If people would slow down and take a few precautions, many accidents would be prevented. Take care, and have a great trip.
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