news-record.com

While Sheriff BJ Barnes is gearing up for another election, he's also preparing drivers for heavy Labor Day traffic.

“I would remind all motorists to practice the Golden Rule when driving," Barnes said in a statement. "Be courteous and tolerant of other drivers. Please don’t get angry with bad drivers or reckless ones – just get out of their way."

Here a few other safety tips:

• SCAN THE ROADS. Always shift your attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind you. Never blankly stare ahead or fix your gaze on one point on the road.
• PASS WITH CARE. You should get into the opposite lane of traffic when passing while you are still well behind the car. 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.
• GIVE 'EM A SIGN. 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.
• 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.
• DON'T FOLLOW TOO CLOSELY. 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 tail-gated, on a slippery road, or in low visibility conditions.

Here's my tip – drive at your own risk.