Safe Summer Driving Tips From the WV Motor Truck Association

Charleston, WV (July 2009) – The summer driving season is in full swing and for many that means packing up the car for family vacations. This influx of motorists can make our state and nation’s highways a challenging place. Representatives from the West Virginia Motor Truck Association are offering advice on how to navigate through highway traffic and arrive at your destination safely. 

“Traveling for summer vacation is a great time,” said Jan Vineyard, President of the West Virginia Motor Truck Association. “But there are more drivers on the road, and more drivers that aren’t familiar with the area. Vacations should be relaxing, so remember to slow down and give yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel stressed.”

Summer driving tips from the West Virginia Motor Truck Association include:

• Plan your route:  Know where you are going and be prepared to exit. Indecisive driving is a major cause of traffic problems.
• Keep extra water in your vehicle: Just as you keep a winter driving kit in your vehicle, it is important to be prepared when driving during the summer months. Keep plenty of extra water, sunscreen and non-perishable snacks in car in case you are stranded.
• Be aware of truck blind spots:  When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots.  If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.
• Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to summer travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of a space cushion and reduce your speed.
• Wait until parked to use cell phones: Driver inattentiveness is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident.
• Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
• Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

For additional information, contact Jan Vineyard at (304) 345-2800 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

“Cap-and-Trade” Passed the House on Friday evening--- time to contact your Senators
 
While we hoped the “cap & trade” bill would not pass the U.S. House of Representatives, it did --- late Friday evening.  One bright spot was the fact the entire West Virginia delegation (Capito, Rahall & Mollohan) voted “no” on the bill.  The National Mining Association said the narrow margin of victory, seven (7) votes, is a positive sign that will be helpful in blocking or complicating action in the Senate.  This bill needs to be defeated in the Senate, but that won’t happen unless everyone gets engaged, like you did on the House side, and send the same kind of message to Senators Byrd and Rockefeller.