President's Point: Holiday driving safety tips

December is here! This means Christmas music in the air being played by the Rockford Theatre. It also means street decorations have been put in place by the New Rockford street crew— a thank you to them. December also means colder weather, cold vehicles and frosted windows. Please scrape all your vehicle windows to ensure complete visibility while driving.

Speaking of driving, please drive for the three C's. 1) The Car. Your vehicle might be a 4 wheel drive, front wheel or rear wheel drive. All of these vehicles have different handling characteristics. Just because the car in front or behind you is doing the posted speed limit, does not mean a rear wheel light weight vehicle should be traveling the same speed in the same conditions. 2) Capability— your individual ability. People need practice at anything to be good at it. Just because a vehicle operator is on the road does not make that person familiar with ice or snowy conditions. 3)Conditions— the road and weather conditions. Drive for the variables. If there is gusty wind and you’re in a high profile vehicle, you want to drive appropriately so you can maintain control of the vehicle.

These suggestions are in the AAA guide book and many law enforcement agencies list these same items. Other suggestions are to have a vehicle winter safety kit. If stuck in the snow, stay with the vehicle until help arrives. Always give your intended route of travel and estimated time of arrival with someone at departing location or at the intended location.

Enough on road safety. Please if you have a real Christmas tree in your home, ensure it is watered to avoid it getting so dry the needles start to drop. This is a fire hazard. Another fire hazard is Christmas lights that have frayed wiring or splices that can cause shorts or even sparks. Please check all your Christmas lights wiring, particularly if you use these lights inside your home.

Please have a safe holiday season, and enjoy visits with your family and friends.