“Traditionally, during the July 4th holiday, our highways experience one of the highest traffic flows of the year,” Northampton Sheriff Jack Smith said in a statement.
Smith said when driving, “Always shift your attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind you. Never blankly stare ahead, nor fix your gaze on one point on the road.”
When passing, always glance at the ground beside the front wheel of the car you intend to pass. “You will know instantly if the car is about to veer, giving you an extra few seconds to respond. You should pull out into the opposite lane of traffic when passing while you are still well behind the car in front. This should give you some time and space to build up speed and will enable you to pull back into your own lane should the need arise. Never cut abruptly out of your lane into the opposite lane when passing.”
Always signal your intentions with your brake lights, turn signals, horn or headlights so other drivers will see you well before you change course.
Drivers should always aim high in steering. That is, you should glance frequently at points well ahead of you. “Not only will this help your steering, but it will also help you check the position of vehicles in front of you as well as on coming ones.”
Never follow too close. “Remember that, as your speed increases, it takes you substantially longer to stop. Also remember that it's good to have an extra cushion of space in front of you if you're being tailgated, on a slippery road, or in low visibility conditions.”
Said Smith, "Lastly, I would remind all motorists to practice the Golden Rule when driving. Be courteous and tolerant of other drivers. Please don't be angry with bad drivers or reckless ones — Just get out of their way."
Captain Roy Rooks of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said, “We want everyone to have responsible and safe fun in the county where the spirit of independence was born.”
Fireworks can be dangerous and should only be handled by professionals, he said, citing statistics which show in the United States there are nearly 9,000 emergency room visits each year for injuries. “Never give fireworks to small children and always follow instructions on the package.”
Rooks said keep a supply of water close by as a precaution and make sure the person or persons lighting fireworks wears eye protection. “Light them only one at a time and never attempt to relight a dud.”
Fireworks should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from children. “Never throw a firework towards people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Stay away at least 500 feet from professional firework displays.”