Tips For Traveling During The Current Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic can be very confusing. As Tennesseans look to Labor Day and the upcoming autumn and holiday seasons, many are still questioning how the pandemic will affect the various elements of their trip ...

BY MEGAN COOPER

Labor Day is typically the last big hurrah for the summer travel season. With students back in school, the majority of travelers are most likely to take up to a three-day road trip.

Preparation is paramount for people planning to travel during this pandemic. But it’s not just about protecting yourself from the virus. With an influx of drivers expected for Labor Day weekend, it’s also critical that travelers make safe decisions while behind the wheel.

Please be sure to buckle up, slow down, and avoid distracted and impaired driving. These are simple steps to reduce the most common fatal accidents.

Alcohol impaired driving accounts for just under one-third of all traffic fatalities: arrange for a safe ride home before your first drink

Speeding typically accounts for onethird of all traffic fatalities: adhere to speed limits, leave early so you’re not in a hurry, reduce your speed for bad weather or other hazardous road conditions

Distraction is responsible for nine percent of fatal crashes: drivers are eight times more likely to crash when texting; four times more likely to crash when talking on a cellphone. Put your phone down, program your GPS before driving, and secure loose items in the car.

Seat Belts save lives. Nearly half (47%) of people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017 were not wearing their seat belts: ensure the driver and all passengers buckle-up; this includes children.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for all children. The safest place for children under 12 is in the back seat.

Low gas prices continue to make road trips an affordable option for travelers.

In Tennessee, the average price for gasoline is $1.99 per gallon. That’s 28 cents per gallon less than this time last year. Tennesseans are likely to see the lowest gas prices for Labor Day in 16 years.

Stay safe this weekend. Please.