Thursday, December 22, 2016

Joplin Police Department offers tips for dealing with holiday traffic

(From the Joplin Police Department)

If you have spent any time at all on Range Line this week, it’s quite clear that the Christmas shopping season is in full swing. Traffic is heavy, and we have seen more minor crashes than usual. Most of them have been minor damage, but just enough to put a damper on your week. We like to meet new people, but we don’t want to meet you because of a traffic crash or a stop. Below are some friendly tips to keep you safe and your car in one piece:

- Keep a safe distance between cars. (a minimum of one vehicle length for every 10 Mph you are traveling) Following too close is easily the number one crash contributor in Joplin. It’s no contest between other factors, so put some distance between you.

- Leave a few minutes early and expect some congestion.

- Don’t be distracted. There are a lot of cars on the road, so give it your full attention. You can text, call, eat, or check your hair later!

- Slow down, take your time, don’t be aggressive…. That causes crashes, we know!

- Don’t pull out and drive down the center turn lane while trying to merge. It’s a turn lane, for left turns!

- Watch the stoplights. When it turns RED, STOP!!! No, seriously, Stop!

- If you are in a crash and no one in any of the vehicles are injured, move your cars out of the road if they will drive. Secondary crashes have a higher injury rate statistically, so let’s keep everyone safe.

- Don’t follow too close, put some distance between you can the car in front. It’s so important, it deserves a repeat!

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season. These tips will help you do just that!

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