Published: May 22, 2008 11:25 am      

Officials remind holiday drivers to be safe

Ada — While Memorial Day is a great chance to get out and enjoy the three-day weekend, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol encourages people not to forget to keep safe. “There were three fatalities on our roads last year during Memorial Day weekend,” said Trooper Betsy Randolph. The cause of those collisions is attributed to unsafe speed. Alcohol played a roll in one of the collisions, and one of those who died was not wearing a seat belt. A motorcyclist who was also killed was not wearing a helmet.

“There are some simple things people can do to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers, especially children, riding in vehicles this weekend,” said Randolph. “Wear your seat belt, buckle up those little people, obey the speed limit and don’t ever drink and drive.

“The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has a ‘no tolerance’ policy for seat belt and child restraint violations,” Randolph continued.

“Troopers will focus on alcohol-related offenses, speeding, seat belt and child restraint usage. You are likely to see more troopers out and they will be enforcing all state laws in an effort to keep everyone safe this holiday weekend.”

This year OHP will be actively participating in two of the national safety programs, the “Click it or Ticket” campaign and “Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) All American Buckle up Week.”

The message of vehicle responsibility extends beyond the “land lubbers.” According to the OHP, the Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Act is now in effect, meaning all operators between the ages of 12-16 are required to complete a boating safety education course before using recreational water vessels.

They also have to be under the supervision of someone at least 18 years old.

“The Lake Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol would like to remind boaters that every vessel is required to carry one U.S. Coast Guard - approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.

“Every person under the age of 13 is required to wear a life jacket. We would also like to remind people who might be drinking of the tendency for sun, wind and waves to magnify the effects of alcohol,” said OHP Captain George Green.

“Also, we ask all parents to keep a close watch on their children when they are playing near the water.”