We know you’re getting ready to grab your picnic baskets, pack up the kids, and motor off to a fun-filled Memorial Day weekend.

And so do your local state troopers and law enforcement officers, who want to remind everyone to use their seat belts properly and practice best driving skills whenever operating a vehicle.

Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association (OSSA), Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), and ODOT offer the following safety reminders:

• Get rested before you are tested. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Be patient and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Pay attention. An inattentive driver is a growing safety concern on our roads and an increasing factor in traffic crashes.
• Know before you go: Stay up to date on road conditions. Don't use your cell phone to check on this non-emergency information while driving.
• Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
• Share the road. Don't tailgate and be sure to check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Be on the lookout for bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable users of our roads.
• Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly (see www.childsafetyseat.org for free safety seat clinics and proper buckling tips).
• Don't drink and drive; don't be impaired and drive. These can be deadly combinations.
• MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck, or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.

That’s good advice for any time of the year, but especially so on these busy summer weekends with their higher volume of traffic.

For those who drive professionally, be sure you are always using your best driving practices. If you or your employee drivers need some extra training, have you seen Summit’s PACE behavioral driving courses? These are a great way to keep everyone safe in those valuable company vehicles:

PACE Behavioral Driving: Commercial Vehicles
PACE Behavioral Driving: Passenger Vehicles

Using the acronym PACE (Plan Ahead, Analyze the Surroundings, Communicate with Others, Execute Safe Driving), this behavioral driving method has been developed by Marsh USA to assist you in experiencing a more stress-free, uneventful and safe workplace driving environment.

This program thoroughly demonstrates:

• The elements of traffic, at risk behaviors that lead to collisions, and avoiding collisions using PACE
• How to ensure you and your vehicle are road ready, trip planning, and securing cargo
• Strategies for effectively analyzing your surroundings
• How to properly communicate to other drivers, including hazards and intentions
• Executing safe driving skills

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!