SAN ANGELO, TX —
A reported 3.4 million Texans are planning to travel 50 miles or more. This is the highest predicted number of travelers since AAA started tracking 18 years ago. What does this mean for you?
If you’re traveling to any of the major metro areas you can expect major delays. Scott Sedlik, general manager and vice president of public sector INRIX says, “Tuesday afternoon will hands down be the worst time to be on the road. Our advice to drivers is to avoid peak commuting hours altogether or consider alternative routes.” San Angelo Fire Chief Brian Dunn tell us, “You want to prepare to travel. It’s going to be hot. You want to make sure you have water in case you break down. Make sure you stay cool don’t over exert yourself. Stay cool, stay safe.”
Let’s not forget the Fourth of July also means fireworks across America. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported in 2017 states that young adults are the most likely to find themselves in the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries followed closely by children younger than five years of age. San Angelo Fire Chief Brian Dunn says, “adults really need to monitor what their kids are doing. So many kids get hurt over the fourth of July weekend.”
Speaking of fireworks Chief Dunn says we can expect the Fourth of July weekend to bring serious fire haphazard unless we see more rain soon. With the recent rain we can expect tall grass and with temperatures climbing into the triple digits grass fires pose a real threat to the community.
Finally, Fourth of July is always water dangerous. Chief Dunn told us, “We don’t want people drinking a lot of alcohol and then thinking they can swim across the water. Every year we seem to see a lot of younger people who try to go swimming after drinking and cramp up.” If you’re drinking on the water remember to wear life jackets and always have a designated driver.
Most of all remember to have fun and be safe.
