Memorial Day Weekend Travel Safety

Last updated on Wednesday, May 25, 2016

(UNDATED) - Memorial Day weekend traditionally starts off the summer travel season, and this weekend is shaping up to be the busiest in the Hoosier State in years.

With the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 Race this weekend, and lower fuel prices, Hoosiers can expect a record number of motorists on our roadways and especially on interstates.

Lieutenant Tom Dujmovich, 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, participating in the "Click it or Ticket" Campaign, and Operation CARE, or Combined Accident Reduction Effort. Troopers will be looking for aggressive drivers, impaired drivers, and those that don't "buckle up."

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.

Also make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up. According to NHTSA, (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,) seat belts reduce your risk of injury and death by 50% in a crash.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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