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Memorial Day weekend traditionally starts off the summer travel season, and this season is shaping up to be the busiest in years. With race weekend coming up here in Indiana, Lieutenant Tony Delello, Commander of the Pendleton State Police Post, would like to remind all motorists that there will be extra troopers on the roadways this upcoming holiday weekend. Troopers will be working federally funded overtime during the “Click it or Ticket” Campaign and Operation CARE, or Combined Accident Reduction Effort, to help insure safe family travel.
The “AAA” Motor Club suggests leaving early if planning to travel this holiday weekend, as they are predicting that 39.3 million Americans will be traveling. The increase is expected to be the highest volume for holiday travel since 2005.
With the expected increase in traffic, it’s important that motorists follow the safety tips below:
- Obey all speed limits and always use your turn signals.
- Never drink and drive. If celebrating make sure to have a designated driver.
- Make sure everyone is buckled up and children are properly restrained in child seats.
- Always watch for and expect slowed or stopped traffic ahead, especially when approaching construction zones.
- When stopped in traffic be watchful of traffic approaching from behind and be ready to take evasive action if it appears traffic is approaching too fast to stop.
- If you’re planning to travel a long distance, make sure you are well rested. A fatigued driver is as dangerous as an impaired driver.
- Avoid tailgating. Remember the two-second rule, and always increase following distance in construction zones.
- Leave early, expecting heavy traffic, and give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
- Remember to ALWAYS SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER for emergency, utility and highway service vehicles.
The Pendleton District covers the eight counties of Delaware, Madison, and Randolph; Henry, Wayne, Union, Rush and Fayette counties. Motorists are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1. Give a vehicle description, location, and direction of travel. Never follow an impaired driver.
For summer travel safety tips please visit http://www.in.gov/isp/2968.htm.