{"id":9982,"date":"2020-08-21T10:14:09","date_gmt":"2020-08-21T10:14:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/?p=9982"},"modified":"2020-08-21T10:14:09","modified_gmt":"2020-08-21T10:14:09","slug":"labor-day-safe-driving-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/labor-day-safe-driving-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Labor Day safe driving tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Labor Day weekend is generally considered as the \u201clast weekend of summer\u201d and is an especially dangerous time on America\u2019s roads. Typically, millions take to the highway for one final holiday getaway. This year, while there may be less travel due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, traffic volumes are likely to be higher than over recent months.<\/p>\n

To help ensure the 2020 Labor Day holiday is a time for celebration, eDriving is sharing the following road safety tips for you and your loved ones: <\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Adhere to your state\u2019s shutdown regulations and social distancing guidance. <\/strong>If you are traveling, make sure to check the rules in place along your route and at your destination. AAA has published a COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Perform vehicle checks before your trip (brakes, lights, tires, fluid levels)<\/strong> and pack a breakdown kit that includes a flashlight, charged phone, jumper cables, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, emergency flares, non-perishable food and plenty of water \u2013 plus any additional emergency items required by law in your state.<\/li>\n
  3. Plan your route in advance<\/strong>, allowing for regular rest stops in safe places; at least 15 minutes for every two hours of driving and more frequently if you feel tired. Even if you are using GPS it\u2019s advisable to familiarize yourself with the planned route before setting off to avoid confusion while driving.<\/li>\n
  4. Ensure the whole family buckles up.<\/strong> Children should be seated in correctly-fitted<\/a> car or booster seats \u2013 and pets should be properly restrained too.<\/li>\n
  5. Look out for others.<\/strong> Traffic can be heavy over the holiday period \u2013 and some road users might be unfamiliar with the roads on which they are traveling. Be prepared for vehicles stopping or turning unexpectedly. Be particularly cautious when traveling close to trucks \u2013 don\u2019t let yourself be caught up in truck drivers\u2019 blind spots and don\u2019t cut in front of heavy trucks. It takes them a lot longer to stop! See more: Best Practice Guide: Defensive Driving<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Remember that maximum speed limits <\/strong>are not \u201ctarget\u201d speeds; they\u2019re maximum limits in good conditions. Traffic, weather and environmental conditions impact on suitable speeds. Learn more: Best Practice Guide: Speeding<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. A three-second following distance is for good conditions. <\/strong>Increase it if traveling in wet weather or when visibility is poor. Be aware of your \u201cescape route\u201d when driving and when stopped at intersections. Learn more: Best Practice Guide: Escape Routes<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Aim for a \u201cdistraction-free zone\u201d in your vehicle. <\/strong>Pack quiet toys\/ tablets\/ DVD players with headsets to help keep children entertained during long trips. Set up GPS before setting off and put your phone away or on silent \u2013 or give it to a family member to be your \u201cdesignated texter\u201d.<\/li>\n
  9. Make sure you\u2019re well-rested before driving,<\/strong> and take at least a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving (more frequently if you feel tired). Learn more: Best Practice Guide: Fatigue<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. If you\u2019re drinking, don\u2019t drive. If you\u2019re driving, don\u2019t drink. <\/strong>It\u2019s that simple. Don\u2019t forget the morning after effect of drinking alcohol too \u2013 and remember that other drivers<\/em> don\u2019t always follow the rules. Be prepared for the actions of others and remember that driving defensively is the best way of keeping you and your loved ones safe this Labor Day Holiday.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Latest Labor Day Statistics: <\/strong><\/p>\n