Holiday Accidents Underscore Importance of Safety

Thanksgiving weekend is a busy weekend for most people. Many of us have to travel great distances to be with our friends and family. Unfortunately, more people on the road for longer periods of time can lead to tragedy.

In one sobering reminder of the dangers of holiday travel, three teenagers were involved in a single-car accident in Lapeer County, Michigan. Two teens were killed and another sustained serious injuries. All three were thrown from the vehicle, perhaps indicating that the passengers were not wearing seat belts.

Another fatal accident in Genesee County shares some eerie similarities. One woman was killed and two passengers injured in a one-car rollover crash. Again, all three passengers were ejected from the vehicle.

Weather is a factor in many car crashes during this time of year. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) offers several tips to help keep you and your family safe during the winter season, summarized as follows:

• Buckle up
• Slow down
• Leave extra space between your car and the car ahead of you
• Avoid abrupt maneuvers

A little bit of additional caution can be the difference between arriving safely and ending up in the newspaper.