(Fort Myers, FL: November 16, 2011) - The Fort Myers Police Department is reminding travelers this Thanksgiving that the only belt that should be left unbuckled is the one holding up your trousers – not your seat belt.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Research has shown that when seat belts are used properly the risk of moderate to fatal injuries is greatly reduced. As we approach one of the busiest travel times of the year police offer the following tips for your road trip:
- Wear a seat belt
- Stay alert
- Don’t drink and drive
- Put down the cell phone
- Use approved child restraints
- Be patient and obey the posted speed limit
- Don’t tailgate
- Watch for road debris
- Avoid in-car distractions
- Get a good night’s sleep before traveling
- Give yourself plenty of time instead of making good time
In addition, FMPD will deploy additional officers to patrol City streets looking for impaired drivers next week. The saturation patrol is an effort to make the holiday safer by cracking down on impaired driving and improve traffic safety. Police remind citizens to plan ahead and always designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.