If you’re traveling over the holidays, be safe
As we learned in the Friday, Dec. 20, edition of the Butler Eagle, AAA is predicting more people than ever before are going to be traveling between Christmas and the new year.
“We’re projecting its going to be a record-setting amount of people. Just shy of 120 million will travel more than 50 miles from home, and it will be the busiest on the weekends of that time period,” said Jim Garrity, AAA spokesperson.
In Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, as many as 13.5 million people are going to be hitting the road.
With record numbers of travelers, extra caution is needed. There are a lot of things you can do to stay safe, thankfully.
Here are some tips from AAA:
Follow posted speed limits — even small increases in speed can make crashes more dangerous.
Get enough rest — driving on between four and five hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08, and even more dangerous when you get less than four hours.
Drive during hours you’re normally awake and avoid overnight drives.
Take frequent breaks — AAA recommends every two hours or 100 miles.
Switch drivers regularly, if possible.
Be aware of and move over for emergency responders helping motorists stuck on the shoulder — and remember that all 50 states have laws requiring you to give them room by moving over.
Above everything else, give yourself enough time to safely get where you’re going.
“Give yourself enough time so you don’t run into traffic or weather, and don’t stress yourself out and engage in riskier behaviors amid gigantic upticks in traffic,” Garrity said.
Give yourself and those who love you a gift by staying safe this year.
— JK
