Summer travel safety reminders

Due to the Fourth of July holiday, this weekend and early next week will consist of some of the busiest travel days of the year. If you and your loved ones will be traveling this weekend, or at any time during the summer, it is always best to be prepared for the unexpected. Stash a summer emergency kit in your car.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Red Cross have some great recommendations for assembling your summer road trip emergency safety kit.

Water	Non-perishable foods
Insurance papers	Medical Prescriptions and list of medications
Map	Spare keys for car and house
Blankets	Spare tire
Coolant	Brake fluid
Motor oil	Windshield washer fluid
First-Aid Kit	Flashlight
Mobile phone and charger	Fuel
Battery-powered radio	Tool box
Duct tape	Paper towels
Jumper cables	Tow rope or chain
Jack – if you need to change a tire	garbage bags
Umbrella	Rain poncho
Jumper Cables

Seat belt fine increase:
KDOT reminds motorists of the new seatbelt fine that will be implemented this Saturday, July 1, at midnight. The fine for a person 18 years and older who is not wearing a seatbelt increases from $10 to $30 per person. For each violation of a city ordinance, $20 from each $30 fine will be directed to the Seat Belt Safety Fund. The bill also directs 2.2 percent of all fines, penalties and forfeitures received from clerks of the district court to the Seat Belt Safety Fund.

The money received for the Seat Belt Safety Fund will be used for the promotion and education of occupant protection among children, including, but not limited to, school programs in the state of Kansas, such as Seat Belts Are for Everyone.

Alcohol, fireworks and driving don’t mix:
If drinking will be part of your Fourth of July weekend plans, remember to designate a sober driver. Never get behind the wheel even if you are just a little buzzed. Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Don’t let a celebration turn into a tragedy.