Warmer months are here in Jacksonville and that means sunny days, beach trips and increased visitor traffic. Public Safety Director Mike Yaniero says"During the summer, visitors and vacationers add to the usual amount of traffic we see on our everyday routes." Citizens can expect increased traffic on the weekends in the warmer months, especially during federal holidays such as Memorial Day and Fourth of July. The following are tips for driving safe in the summer months:
- Obey all posted speed limits and be courteous to other drivers.
- Speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic can lead to collisions.
- Keep on the lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, which increase in the summer and can be difficult to see.
- School’s out – slow down and pay attention when traveling in residential neighborhoods and near parks, schools and playgrounds.
- Don’t drink and drive – ensure you have a designated driver.
- Buckle up – proper use of seat belts and child car seats are the single most effective way to reduce crash-related injuries and fatalities.
- Distracted driving causes crashes. Pay attention to your driving. If you find it necessary to talk on your cellular phone, pull off the road or into a parking lot.
- Never leave a child or pet unattended in a car, even for a quick trip in and out of a store, it only takes a few minutes for your car to heat up and become deadly.