THE ISSUE: Highway safety

OUR OPINION: Thanksgiving week is prime time for safety emphasis

The decline in gasoline prices may have more people on the roads this Thanksgiving holiday, traditionally among the busiest travel weeks of the year.

For the people of Orangeburg County and The T&D Region, the time is right to implore an adherence to safety on the highways. Traffic deaths in Orangeburg County stand at 26, compared to 36 a year ago. In Bamberg, the drop is from four to two. In Calhoun, it’s one, compared to seven a year ago through Nov. 16.

Increased law enforcement emphasis on the region combines with more people wearing safety belts as factors in the decline. Now is no time to congratulate ourselves. Far too many people are dying in far too many accidents.

Thus the advice from the S.C. Department of Public Safety: Prepare in advance for travel.

Here’s how:

• Have your vehicle checked for the following: brakes, battery, fluid levels, tire pressure, light bulbs and any parts that need regular maintenance.

• Plan your route. Do you have maps in case there are detours? You may need to look on the state Department of Transportation’s Web sites for road closures or slowdowns.

• The Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are when you can expect the most traffic. Consider changing your travel dates if you have any flexibility.

• Are you prepared for roadway emergencies? Bring along a first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets, drinking water and snacks, flares, jumper cables and an ice scraper.

• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you leave.

• If your vehicle breaks down on the roadway or you have a minor collision, it is vitally important to remove your vehicle from the flow of traffic and off the roadway, if at all possible.

• Never try to get out of your vehicle in the flow of traffic and push the vehicle or look under the hood.

• If you are changing a tire, be mindful of the traffic around you.

• If you are traveling into other states where you are unfamiliar with the roadways, pay close attention to speed limit and other roadway signs giving you instructions.

• Be patient. Do not tail gate. Keep a safe following distance and refuse to engage in aggressive/combative driving.

And if you plan to shop on the big day, Friday, Nov. 28:

• Consider alternate routes around the mall areas, if possible.

• Allocate sufficient time to get from one destination to another.

• Have a good attitude and accept that the traffic is part of the “shopping experience.”

• Be prepared for the fatigue that can affect driving if you are “camping out” at stores to hit the early morning bargains.

• Don’t get competitive on the roadways or volleying for the best parking.

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