Tips for a safe Memorial Day Weekend
V.W. Gould Agency, inc. would like to take the opportunity to honor the United States Military men and women who have served and continue to serve our country to protect our freedom. We salute the U.S. veterans who have sacrificed to preserve and protect us.
Memorial day is a day of remembrance as well as the unofficial start of summer. With Florida being one of the largest Memorial Day destinations in the country it is also one of the heaviest weekends for traffic.
More than 377 people were killed during Memorial Day Weekend in 2012, the most recent year for which such data is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here are some safety tips for celebrating a safe memorial day:
Protect your family with safe driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Keep your tires properly inflated. If you are taking a road trip for memorial day weekend be sure your tires are ready to endure the marathon. A hot traveling surface can take a toll on your tires.
- Avoid Alcohol. Driving and alcohol is never a good mix. Every day in the U.S. 30 people die in a motor-vehicle related accident involving an alcohol impaired driver. If you have teen drivers be sure to talk with them about alcohol.
- Never leave kids unattended. Never leave your kids in the car, even if you are just running in the store to grab some sunscreen, temperatures inside an automobile can increase to deadly levels rapidly.
- Check your windshield. Make sure your wipers are in good shape and your view is clear. A sudden summer storm can hinder visibility rapidly if there’s a layer of grime or dust.
- Rest up. It is important that in order to stay alert on your trip you get plenty of rest before you leave. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination to avoid aggravation, and keep yourself hydrated by bringing water with you.
- Always wear your seat belt. The CDC reports that 53 percent of drivers and passengers killed in car crashes in 2009 were not wearing restraints.
Boating Safety Tips:
- Life Jackets. Make sure there are enough life jackets on board for all passengers. Children under 6 are required to wear them at all times.
- Weather. Keep an eye on the weather before taking to the water.
- Avoid driving impaired. FL laws allow you to have alcohol on your boat and even consume but not drive impaired.
Camping Safety Tips:
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Always have a first aid kit on hand.
- Make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving and that embers cannot be ignited.
Swimming:
- Children. It is important to continually supervise children around water and never leave young children unattended.
- Stingrays. Stingray season is from April to October. When entering the water look around the edge where they generally hang out. A purple flag at beaches provides a warning.
- Rip currents. Rip currents and undertow are the biggest dangers to swimmers at the beach. Be sure to swim in an area where there is a life guard on duty.
In Florida it is important to be sure your family is covered in full-spectrum sunscreen and drinks plenty of water.
V.W. Gould Agency, Inc. provides Floridians with auto, home, life, commercial, motorcycle, condo, renters, boat and umbrella insurance policies to fit your specific needs and budget.
We strive to keep your family safe so you have peace of mind. For more information call us at 386 734 3970.
