Wood County Safe Communities announced this week there have been seven total fatal crashes in Wood
County, which is the same amount at this same time last year.
With the Fourth of July holiday upon us, keep in mind these summer travel tips as you are planning your
vacation:
Before You Go
• Regular maintenance, such as tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, and tire rotations, go a long way
toward preventing breakdowns.
•
If your vehicle has not been serviced recently or you don’t know the service history of the vehicle you
plan to drive, schedule a preventive maintenance check-up with your mechanic.
• If your vehicle is well maintained, getting it ready for a road trip is relatively quick and easy.
However, it’s important to perform the following basic safety checks before you go.
Cooling System
• Check your coolant level to make sure it’s adequate. If you need to flush or refill your cooling system
do it now.
Lights
• See and be seen! Make sure all the lights on your vehicle are in working order. Check your headlights,
brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights.
• If you have a trailer, check your trailer lights, including brake lights and turn signals. Failure of
trailer light connections is a common problem and a serious safety hazard.
Share the Road with Pedestrians
• Pedestrians are just as vulnerable as motorcyclists and bicyclists. Things to remember as a driver:
You can encounter pedestrians anytime and anywhere. Be vigilant.
Pedestrians can be very hard to see – especially in bad weather or at night. You must keep a lookout and
slow down if you can’t see clearly.
Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even if it is not marked. When you stop for a pedestrian in
a crosswalk, stop well back so that drivers in the other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to
stop.
Cars stopped in the street may be stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross. Do not pass if there is any
doubt.
Don’t assume that pedestrians see you or that they will act predictably.
When you are turning, you will often have to wait for a "gap” in traffic. Beware that while you are
watching for that "gap,” pedestrians may have moved into your intended path.
Be especially attentive around schools and in neighborhoods where children are active.