Memorial Day is fast approaching and as I sit here and dream of days gone by when the family would jump in the car and take off for a long weekend of driving togetherness - I also think of how things have changed over the years and thought maybe a few safety tips might be just the ticket for this week's blog!   

• Did you know that Memorial Day weekend is the 3^rd most perilous holiday for vehicular traffic?  Wow!  That got my attention (Thanksgiving is #1; July 4^th is 2^nd ; Labor Day is 4^th; New Year's Eve is 5^th)
• Wear your seat belt!  To some that seems like such a no brainer but I am from the generation where we didn't always wear a seat belt and even though it is a habit for me now, it wasn't always!   So a gentle reminder:  Belt Up! 
• Turn your headlights on in low visibility!  Remember you have headlights to see but more importantly to be seen!   At dusk; in fog conditions; light rain - turn them on!   Did you know that we only do about 25% of our driving miles at night but 50% or 25,000 people each year are fatalities that occur in the darkness!  
• Don't drive drowsy!  I know it is tempting when you are only an hour away from your destination....but is that extra push worth your life?  100,000 reported accidents, 71,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths every year are attributed to drivers that fall asleep! 
• Use your signals!   Let people know what your intentions are!  
• Don't tailgate and get away from tailgaters!   When I taught the kids to drive I always told them that they needed to be able to see the tires (the entire tire) of the car in front of them!  This is a good rule of thumb that is easy for everyone to understand!   If someone is tailgating you this is NOT the time to teach someone the lesson by tapping your brakes or other gestures that tell them to back off!   The best and safest thing to do is let them pass you, if necessary pull over and let them go by!  
• Obey the speed limit signs...especially in construction zones!  Where ever you are going you want to get there and not endanger yourself, your passengers or others!  
• Stay alert!   Talking on the cell phone, checking your GPS, texting, reading maps can be more distracting than you realize!   You are driving give it your undivided attention!  
• Take out time to stop and see the sights!   Even a short break of walking around the car a few times (if there is nothing to see) will refresh you and give you a renewed spirit to continue on your way!  
• Before you leave be sure to check the fluids and tire pressure!  Familiarize yourself with your planned route.  

Travel safe and have a great holiday weekend!   

Susan 

Irvine Real Estate