Friday, March 8, 2013

Spring Break In Texas Means More Inexperienced And Distracted Drivers On The Road

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

It's spring break time here in Texas, and with it we see our youth heading out to popular vacation spots to celebrate breaks in their school year. That can mean more inexperienced drivers, distracted drivers, and typically even more inebriated drivers.  A bad mix for the roadways.

Mardi Gras Celebration in New Orleans
Photo Credit: statesman.com
Many spring breakers head out to parties on the coast, New Orleans, or even a drive to Mexican hot-spots. All this can lead to trouble with more drivers on the road and even more thieves willing to take advantage. We encourage homeowners who will be away to secure your home, secure your vehicles, and stay alert while driving.

If you've got kids who are planning a getaway, make sure you've discussed the rules of safety in numbers, risks of carrying cash, driving with a designated sober driver and/or plans to hire a ride home after a night of partying. Here are some tips:

  • Plan your trip in advance
  • Make reservations for your accommodations
  • Be wary of overly friendly people
  • Keep political opinion to yourself
  • Don't look like a tourist
  • Don't act like a tourist
  • Speak the local language if you know it
  • Stick to well-lit, populated areas

And, more specific to a day/night out partying:

  • Travel in groups and stick together
  • Don't go out with cash
  • Don't carry purses/wallets
  • Have one person pay for the night's activities on a credit card (divide it up later)
  • Watch your drinking - have a few drinks but don't overdo it
  • Have someone in your group stay sober or limit their drinking
  • Have a designated "mother" who will keep everyone safe
  • Don't drink and drive

Guy Algar explains, "We've all grown up having our fair share of parties and fun. What's different for today's youth are all the distractions that surround you while you drive. We didn't have cell phones, smart phones and iPads and vehicles that are equipped with technology that allows you to text and post to Facebook or Twitter while you drive. Couple that with driving when you've been out drinking and it's a formula for disaster." Our children have grown up with these technologies and don't see how distracting they can be.

We wish everyone a safe and happy spring break.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

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