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Sgt. Bernhardt Explains Safe Driving this Holiday Season

With New Years Eve just around the corner, many heartland residents are concerned with safe traveling. New Years Eve and Christmas day are notorious for a high rate of car crashes, mostly caused by drunk or impaired drivers.

Holiday accidents are a trend nationwide, as well as here in Missouri.

“Last year over the Christmas holiday period 15 people were killed in over 1300 car crashes in our state,” said Sgt. Brent Bernhardt of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

In order to remain alive during this holiday season follow these safe driving tips:

• If the road is snow or ice covered remember that you cannot stop as fast, so approach stop lights or signs cautiously.
• Make sure your car is in proper running condition. This includes checking oil, antifreeze, and the air in your tires.
• Prepare an emergency kit in case your car breaks down. Some items to include are coats, mittens, hand warmers, blankets, and other warm clothing items as well as flashlights, road salt, and some dry snack food.
• Carry a cell phone in the car and let people know where you are going and what time you plan on arriving at your destination.
• Leave early in order to allow yourself some extra time to get from location to location.
• Make sure all passengers are buckled in to their proper safety belts or seats.
• If you start to slide DON’T PANIC. Let your foot off the gas and do NOT brake.
• Never, under and circumstances, drink and drive.