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Stay Safe as You Take to the Highway this Labor Day Weekend

Sep 4, 2009

Friday, September 04, 2009 — Labor Day is often viewed as the official end of summer and many families see it as their last chance to travel or have a picnic before summer is over. No matter what your plans are for Labor Day, most of us will hit the road sometime over the three-day holiday weekend.  The American Red Cross offers these travel tips to keep you safe on the highway:

• Buckle up, slow down, don't drive impaired.
• Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Observe speed limits.
• Make frequent stops. 
• Be respectful of other motorists; follow the rules of the road.
• Don't drink and drive.  Designate a driver who won't drink.
• Clean your vehicle's lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
• Don't overdrive your headlights.
• Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
• Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling and how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
• Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination.
• Don't let your vehicle's gas tank get too low.
• If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

The American Red Cross wishes everyone a safe and happy Labor Day.  For more safety tips check out our Preparedness information.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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