Memorial weekend is four days long for schools in Broward county and a long weekend for everyone.  This weekend is also the beginning of the busy summer driving season and AAA estimates that over 27 million cars travel this holiday each year. But also about 50,000 people die each year in collisions on the roadways of the United States and over twenty-two million are injured.

America’s elite professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles and driving school teachers, are offering advice on how to navigate through highway traffic and arrive at your destination safely. Tips include:

• Inspect your car few days before the trip – Check your oil, tire pressure, wipers, fluids and pay close attention to any noise your car is making. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road before you leave your home.
• Always wear your seat belt – Seat belts are the most important safety device in your car.  They provide impact protection, they absorb crash forces, and they keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle.
• Pay Attention – Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes. Looking away for even two seconds doubles the chances of an accident. Limit the use of your cellular while driving.
• Don’t trust anybody – You can never rely on what the other driver will do. Everybody makes mistakes.
• Allow a Safety Cushion – Look 1/4 mile ahead for a safe path. Think of a way out in case of an emergency.
• Don’t Speed – Chances of a crash nearly triples when driving faster than surrounding traffic so Slow Down!
• Keep extra water and snacks in your vehicle – Just as you keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, it is important to be prepared when driving during the summer months. Keep plenty of extra water, sunscreen and
  non-perishable snacks in car in case you are stranded.
• Yield anyway – If you are in doubt about who has the right of way, give it anyway.
• Be aware of other vehicles Blind spots – Virtually all vehicles have blind areas specially Trucks. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.
• Do not cut in front of large trucks – Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• Do not Tailgate – Following to closely is a factor in about 40% of collisions, it restricts your vision, making it likely your reaction time will be slower.
• Don’t drive impaired – The first thing that comes to most peple’s minds is impairment through alcohol or other drugs. There are others as well: impairment through fatigue, or as a result of disabling injuries or illness.
• Abide by Traffic Rules – Follow traffic signs specially red lights and signals specially work zones.
• Drive to communicate – Always signal your intentions even if the other drivers don’t do it. You want to know the other driver sees you.
• Be Careful Backing Up – Be sure to look before backing up; walk around your car prior to departure. One in four preventable collisions involves backing up.

For more information about South Florida destinations and homes for sale in Pembroke Pines and all Broward county contact me, I’ll be glad to help you.

Enjoy your Memorial day weekend and drive safely!