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Vincent touched on three things most people will do during the Fourth of July celebration, driving, swimming and being around fireworks. According to Vincent, the number of accidents in these three activities goes up each year during the long weekend.
“Traditionally during the July Fourth holiday, our highways experience one of the highest traffic flows of the year,” Vincent said and listed a few tips drivers that should keep in mind.
€ Constantly scan the road ahead and behind. Keep your eyes moving and never fix your gaze on just one point.
€ Always look at the front wheel of the car you intend to pass. You will know instantly if the car is about to veer and have a few extra seconds to respond.
€ Never cut abruptly out of your lane when passing. You should pull out of your lane while there is still plenty of room behind the car in front. This should give you plenty of time to build up speed and allows you to get back into your spot if the need arises.
€ Always signal your intentions with your turn signals, brake lights, horn or headlights so other drivers will see you well before you change course.
€ Aim high in steering. Glance frequently at points well ahead of you.
€ Never follow too close. It's always good to have an extra cushion of space in front of you if you are being tailgated.
“Lastly, I would remind all motorists to practice the golden rule when driving. Be courteous and tolerant of other drivers,” Vincent said. “Let's make this summer a safe one on the roads in Northampton County.”
“Following all of these precautions will help the children and citizens of Northampton County stay safe and healthy this holiday weekend and throughout the summer.”
Tips for fireworks
€ Never give fireworks to small children and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
€ Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
€ Make sure the person lighting fireworks wears eye protection.
€ Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a “dud.”
€ Store fireworks in a cool dry place away from children and pets.
€ Never throw or point a firework towards people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
€ Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
€ Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
Tips for swimming pool safety
If no lifeguard is on duty, do not let children swim unless a responsible adult who knows lifesaving techniques and first aid accompanies them.
Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
Make sure lifesaving devices are readily available in the pool area.
Be sure covers are installed on all drains of a swimming pool or wading pool.
Take frequent breaks where everyone gets out of the pool, drinks water, re-applies sunscreen and rests.
If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the surrounding area.
Swim only in pools in which water quality is properly maintained.
Tips for swimming safely at the beach
Never swim alone. Swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present.
If you become caught in a rip current, swim with the current or parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Do not struggle against it. Float or tread water until you are free of the current and then swim towards shore.
Watch out for the “dangerous too's,” - too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun and too much strenuous activity.
Look for water that is reasonably clear and free of floating materials and odors. Avoid swimming at beaches where there are large populations of ducks, geese or gulls. The waste produced by these birds causes high levels of bacteria in the water.
Look for movement in the water; it helps keep the water clean. Do not swim in stagnant or still water.
Do not swim at any beach right after a heavy rain. Runoff may result in a high bacteria level.
When diving at a beach, use extreme caution. Underwater obstructions may not be visible.
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