Memorial Day weekend is one of the most dangerous driving weekends of the year. 

Please be careful if you are traveling and review the tips below to help you stay safe while you are out on the road.

1. Prepare before you go – before hitting the road, make sure your car is safe for driving. Vehicle owners should check their oil, put air in their tires and check for and repair open recalls. Visit ChecktoProtect.org to see if your vehicle has an open recall and get it repaired for free.
2. Drive distraction-free – thousands have died in crashes involving cell phone use. Put your phones away!
3. Slow down – speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities. Drive the speed limit and do not exceed it. Be sure to pay attention for those walking and biking in order to keep all road users safe.
4. Designate a sober driver – or arrange alternate transportation. Alcohol is only one cause of impaired driving. Drugs, including opioid, marijuana and some over-the-counter medicines – can impair by causing drowsiness, altering visual functions and affecting mental judgement and motor skills.
5. Buckle up – It's the law!  Seat belts are estimated to have saved 374,276 lives. Also make sure you have the appropriate car seats installed correctly.