Ten tips for a safe summer traveling season

Over the past few weeks, there has been a rash of highway injuries and fatalities. It seems like every day I am reading about a new car crash.

Please drive safely and remember the following:

• Avoid excessive speeding. You are a Super Speeder in Georgia if you are convicted of speeding at 75 mph or more on a two-lane road or 85 mph or over on a highway in Georgia. Super Speeders pay increased fines in court and are accessed an additional $200 fine by mail (after going to court). If the fines are not paid, your driver's license will be suspended.

  If you are an out-of-state resident, the additional Super Speeder fee of $200 still applies. Similar to Georgia residents, if you do not pay the super speeder fee, then the Department of Driver's Services will suspend your driving privileges in Georgia and report the suspension to your home state. Your home state is likely to honor Georgia's suspension until the fee is paid.

• It is illegal to have an open container of alcoholic beverage in your vehicle, and both the driver and a passenger in a car can be charged.

• Keep a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you. You are 100% at fault if you hit another vehicle in the rear, and if you do, you will be charged with following too closely. Even if the other driver in front of you makes an unsafe move, you will still be at fault if you “rear end” someone.

• Switch drivers on long trips. No one should do all of the driving. Make sure that all drivers are properly rested. “exhausted driving” is as dangerous as being under the influence of alcohol.

• Stop Texting! A distracted driver is more dangerous than a drunk driver. It is illegal to text while driving in Georgia.

• When with children, who may be playing games or watching a movie, avoid the distraction of what they are doing, and pay attention to your driving.

• Avoid incidents of aggressive driving. Road rage has become all too common. If someone is driving in an unsafe manner, avoid them, but do not confront them. If necessary, call the police to report the other driver.

• If transporting a child, make sure to have a child safety seat. Failure to do so puts your child at risk and subjects you to a fine.

• If you are in an accident, stop immediately to render aid to anyone injured, and report the accident immediately to the police. Failure to do so will result in a prosecution for leaving the scene of an accident.

• Make sure you have your driver's license, your insurance card, and your vehicle registration with you at all times. If driving someone else's car, make sure to have the owner's documents.

With these ten tips for a safe summer traveling season, you will avoid arrest and assure safe travels.

Learn more Georgia DUI Information or about Georgia DUI Penalties by visiting our website.