As Spring Break approaches, we know that a lot of our PGH family will be traveling. We wanted to take a moment to share some advice and tips that will help to ensure you arrive and return from your destination safely.

General safe driving tips:

• Buckle up! When used properly, seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45% and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50%. Seat belt usage is a quick and easy way to increase your safety on the road, so keep yourself and your family safe by encouraging everyone you travel with to buckle up.
• Slow down! Speeding, especially in times of high traffic like Spring Break, makes you more likely to lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident-- it can also increase your fuel consumption!
• Distracted driving is dangerous driving. It takes your brain up to 13 seconds to refocus on your surroundings after looking at your cell phone—even if you only glanced at it for a second. Put your phone on the “Do Not Disturb” setting and don’t skip breaks and exits in an attempt to get to your destination more quickly.
• Don’t forget the last-minute checks!  Check your tires, engine oil, car battery, and fluids before embarking on a long drive and always plan your route beforehand.
• Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Every day, 29 people in the U.S. die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver--one death every 50 minutes. Buzzed driving not only puts yourself and your passengers at risk, but everyone else on the road as well. Be smart and call a Lyft, Uber, or taxi service.

Drive defensively, and be smart when driving around 18-wheelers!

• Driving in a large truck’s blind spot creates a dangerous situation. Remember this tip: If you can’t see the driver’s face in their side view mirror, they can’t see you either.
• Cars that merge improperly or pass in a no-passing zone can force truck drivers to slam on the brakes or speed up rapidly, causing a crash.
• Passenger cars often “cut off” a large truck by failing to maintain a consistent speed when changing lanes. Trucks may not be able to stop or change lanes in time to avoid a crash. 

Lastly, while arriving at your destination safely is important, staying healthy during your trip is equally so! Take extra precautions while traveling to ensure that you avoid any unnecessary exposure:

• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, sinks, etc.)
• Wash your hands for a full twenty seconds, thoroughly and often! If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid crowds, specifically in poorly ventilated spaces.

From all of us at PGH, we hope you have a safe, healthy, and wonderful Spring Break!