Its vacation time, school's out, pools are open and people across the country are looking for fun ways to cool down when the summer temperatures go up. As you head to the beach, to the pool, rivers or to the mountains for a camping vacation, we encourages you and your family to keep safety in mind!
Safety in the water does not mean little or no fun. If just remember some safety tips to keep your family safe this summer. The most basic: Learn to swim! Take some lessons at your local pool. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. And always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
The American Red Cross and other community organization offer swimming courses for people of all ages and swimming ability. To enroll in certified water safety/swim course in your community before getting into the water. Here are some tips about water safety:
Swim in supervised areas only.
Don't mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm. Obey all rules and posted signs.
Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
Never swim in cannels or irrigation ditches.
Boating
N matter how much experience you think you have it always pays to refresh your knowledge on safety. Remembering and following safety guidelines ensures your safety and that of others in the water around you.
Be weather wise: Sudden wind shifts, lightning flashes and choppy water all can mean a storm is brewing. Bring a portable radio to check weather reports.
Bring extra gear you may need: A flashlight, extra batteries, matches, a map of where you are, flares, sun tan lotion, first aid kit, extra sunglasses. Put those that need to be protected in a watertight pouch or a container that floats.
Tell someone where you're going, who is with you, and how long you'll be away.
Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving.
For more information visit your local Red Cross or Community Center where you live.
According to California statistics, each year nearly 130,000 persons are arrested for driving under the influence or DUI. Of those, nearly a third were repeat offenders. A fairly new tool California and many other states is using is the ignition interlock device. Basically it is attached to your car and you must breathe into it to start your car. If the machine detects alcohol, it won't start. Once underway, the driver must continue to breathe into the machine to ensure uninhibited driving. Should it detect alcohol at any point, the car's alarm system will activate to notify police, and in some newer cases the car's engine may even shut down automatically.
A DUI arrest in the State of California means automatic suspension of your license; impound of your car, higher insurance and maybe some jail time. It’s just not worth the aggravation. If you are convicted, it is mandatory that your car will have some type of ignition interlock device placed in your automobile. Not exactly the “added feature” one would like in the car.
To avoid getting a DUI this season, follow these few driving safety tips:
Don’t even think about getting behind the wheel of your vehicle if you’ve been out drinking.
Call a taxi or use mass transit! Or how about getting a sober friend or family member to come and get you.
If you are able, stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober. Many office parties are held in hotels for this reason.
If you’re hosting a party this season, make sure your guests do not drive intoxicated.
It’s not just a cliché saying, “Friends don’t let other friends drive drunk. It is your responsibility to potentially avoid a serious accident or worse. Keep your holiday memories safe, don’t drink and drive.
BE SAFE!
Cell Phone Driving
Cell Phones & Driving
Increased reliance on cell phones has led to a rise in the number of people who use the devices while driving. There are two dangers associated with driving and cell-phone use, including text messaging. First, drivers must take their eyes off the road while dialing. Second, people can become so absorbed in their conversations that their ability to concentrate on the act of driving is severely impaired, jeopardizing the safety of vehicle occupants and pedestrians. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law legislation that passed in the California Assembly on September 15, 2006. The measure goes into effect in July 1, 2008, imposing a fine for anyone caught driving and using a cell phone unless the driver uses a headset, ear bud or other technology that frees both hands.
Here are some tips that could make a safer on our highways:
1. Use Hands-Free Devices Only
Hands-free operation does not guarantee 100% safety but will provides less distraction if you must use their cell phone on the road.
2. Or Shut It Off
It is the better to and provides a much safer condition if the operator of any vehicle has his or her cell phone is turned off. Including any passengers with a cell phone they could cause the driver to become distracted and focus more on the cell phone discussion and less on their driving.
3. Pull-Over
Pull over when ever possible and making sure that it is a safe place away from any traffic. Pulling over to the side of the road; it must be done with complete safety in mind. That means not answering or dialing your cell phone while pulling over, only after you come to a complete stop in a safe area off the road.
