By Gary Lloyd
JEFFERSON COUNTY — Spring break for students in Trussville City Schools and Jefferson County Schools is March 30 through April 3.
“Parents, we need your help to make spring break season a safe one,” Alabama Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said. “Let’s take a few minutes to go over traffic laws and boating with our teens, especially if they plan to travel with teen friends. Remind them to buckle up, to focus on the road, to avoid such distractions as texting while driving and to obey speed limits and other traffic laws.”
Collier also said parents should ensure everyone understands boating laws and uses life vests when on the water.
“The risk of water-related injuries increases as water traffic increases, so we all must be cautious when spending time at the lake or beach,” he said.
Here are seven suggestions to keep in mind to stay safe during spring break:
- Make hotel/motel stay safe: Choose establishments that are protected by smoke alarms and fire sprinkler systems. Once in rooms, guests should review escape plans with their entire party. If alarms sound, guests should leave the room right away, using the stairs and avoiding elevators.
- Be mindful of hot coals when camping or cooking outdoors: Do not dump them in or around dry grass, leaves or other flammable materials.
- Restrict access and closely monitor teens to prevent underage use of alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid driving or boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Buckle up no matter how short the trip: Occupants of all ages should use seat belts or child restraints when traveling by motor vehicles. On waterways, all occupants of water vessels should use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. It’s important to focus on driving or boating, avoiding such distractions as texting and talking on cell phones.
- Don’t barrel through construction zones along the way: Drivers pose the greatest danger in work zone crashes by not paying attention, speeding and driving while impaired or distracted.
- Remember Alabama’s Graduated Driver License law: Parents of teen drivers should review the state’s three-stage licensing process that places certain restrictions on young drivers to ensure they acquire driving experience. Stage I is learner’s permit, Stage II is restricted license and Stage III is unrestricted license.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.