With the approach of the Labor Day weekend, Granville County Sheriff Charles R. Noblin, Jr. asks all residents to join him in making this holiday a safe one.
Traditionally during the Labor Day holiday, North Carolina roadways experience one of the highest traffic flows of the year as families travel for end-of-summer vacations and a three-day-weekend. With some of the most heavily traveled highways located in or near Granville County, the Sheriff reminds everyone to follow these safe driving tips while on the road:
- Always shift attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind. Never stare blankly ahead or fix your gaze on one point on the road.
- When passing a vehicle, always glance at the ground beside the front wheel of the car you intend to pass. That way, you will know instantly if the car is about to veer, giving you an extra few seconds to respond.
- Also when passing, pull out into the opposite lane of traffic 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. Always signal your intentions with your brake lights, turn signals, horn and/or headlights so that other drivers will see you well before you change course.
- Always “aim high” in steering, glancing frequently at points well ahead. Not only will this help in steering, but will also help check the position of vehicles in front, as well as oncoming traffic.
- Never follow too close. Remember that, as speed increases, it takes substantially longer to stop. Also, remember that it’s good to have an extra cushion of space in front if you are being tailgated, on a slippery road, or in low visibility conditions.
“I would like to remind all drivers to also practice the ‘Golden Rule’ when driving,” Sheriff Noblin said. “Be courteous and tolerant of other drivers. Whether at home or heading to vacation destinations, let’s make this Labor Day weekend a safe one on our roads.”
Sheriff Charles R. Noblin, Jr.
The Granville County Sheriff’s Office is located at 525 New Commerce Drive in Oxford. For safety concerns or questions, please call 919-693-3213 or send emails to granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org.