Holiday Safety Briefing

Back in my former life in the army, I was assigned several additional duties. One of them was as the Safety NCO for my company. This involved many things, like making sure buildings had fire extinguishers, making sure there were evacuation routes, and a butt load of other things.

One of those other things was to give safety briefings before each long holiday.

Friends, here's your safety briefing.

1. Don't drink and drive. Know your limits. Know how alcohol affects you.

2. Wear your seat belt.

3. If you are driving a long way, DO NOT let your gas tank get below 1/4 a tank. With holiday closings, you can't guarantee that the next exit 20 miles down the road has gas.

4. Check your tire pressure. Check your tire tread. Make sure your headlights work. Make sure the rest of your lights work.

5. Put an extra blanket in your car. Ensure that there are gloves, a good hat, and a jacket in your car. Put a powerbar, or other energy bar in your vehicle. Put a candle in your car. Make sure you have a flashlight (your cellphone doesn't count). Make sure your cellphone is charged.

6. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination, don't excessively speed. (you are probably going to speed, don't go more than 10-15 over the speed limit)

There are other things you can do, but these are things you should be aware of.

You may be the greatest driver in the world, never had an accident, never spun out, never drove more than 10 mph over the speed limit, never got behind the wheel when you had a drop of alcohol... but the worst driver is out there, so be prepared for him/her.

Hope you have happy holidays (I'm not EXCLUDING anyone, I'm INCLUDING everyone by saying happy holidays) be safe, and we'll have a beer together soon.

Luvsya
V