By Tiffany Stanley, Traffic Safety and Community Programs
Triple A (AAA) offers a few simple steps to help you arrive safely to celebrate with your loved ones:
• Plan ahead. If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange a ride with a sober driver, use public transit, or call a rideshare. A few minutes of planning can prevent a lifetime of regret.
• Put the phone away. Texts and calls can wait until you’re parked. Even a quick glance can mean missing someone walking or riding a bike. Enable the Driving Mode or Driving Focus feature on your phone to help eliminate distractions.
• Be ready to move over. Starting next year, California’s updated Slow Down, Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes for all stopped vehicles, not just first responders. Whether it’s a tow truck, highway maintenance crew or a stranded driver, moving over prevents secondary crashes and saves lives.
• Share the road. Look out for people walking or biking, especially near crosswalks and intersections. Giving them space isn’t just courteous — it’s essential for everyone’s safety.
The holidays bring excitement and sometimes stress. That’s why it’s important to slow down, pay attention and make smart choices. Follow the speed limit, give people walking the right of way and respect bicyclists by giving them room to ride safely.
This season let’s commit to celebrating safely. Don’t drive impaired. Don’t drive distracted. Be aware, be responsible, and help make sure everyone gets home to their loved ones.
