By Staff
Travel safely during holidays
As the holidays begin for area youngsters, so does holiday travel.
With school out and many adults taking vacations, roadways become more dangerous with the volume of vehicles traveling the roadways.
AAA estimates that 65.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Christmas-New Year's holiday period, only a 0.7 percent increase from last year's 64.7 million travelers. However, for those planning to travel during the last holiday season of the year, expect gasoline prices and airfares well above last year's levels.
With all the extra cars on the road during the next few weeks, it is imperative that everyone take a little bit of time to think of safety while on the roads.
The Alabama Department of Public Safety reported that 19 people died on state highways over the Christmas and New Years travel time last year. If we don't take time to think about safety, we may become a part of that statistic.
First, travel a little slower. We need to realize that it's better to be a little bit late to mom and dad's house than risk having a high-speed accident on the interstate.
Buckle up. Research shows that not buckling your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injury in an accident on the road.
Most of all, drive sober.
With holiday celebrations all over, it's easy to imbibe too much. Remember that the price you could pay for a DUI isn't worth it – you could end your life or the life of someone you love.
If you are partying, make sure you have a designated driver. If you overindulge, make sure you sober up before driving.
And, drive defensively. There are many among us who won't be cautious or sober.
We hope you'll be careful out there. Better to make this a holiday you want to always remember than one you can never forget.