Some states are calling it “Taking the Roads Back” and some are calling it “Operation Slow Down”, but whatever it is called it is a good idea.

The Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest, and deadliest, weekends on roadways all across America.  Many people travel during this four-day weekend – one reason for increased traffic.  Black Friday, and the beginning of the mad holiday shopping rush, is another reason for busy streets and highways.  Knowing how busy it will be out there should increase our awareness, when behind the wheel, and force us to think about two things we can save.

The first thing we can save over the weekend is some of our money.  I know you want to get out there and spend some of your Christmas budget, but going too fast may divert some of those funds to the highway patrol of whatever state you may be in.

“I have instructed our troopers to crackdown on speeders this holiday weekend. Speed is the leading cause of fatal collisions on our highways,” said Col. Walter J. Wilson Jr., commander of the (North Carolina) State Highway Patrol. “Getting to your destination safely should be your number one goal. Don’t try to cut off a few minutes of your drive time by speeding or driving aggressively. It’s just not worth it.”

Florida is another state that will be taking action this weekend.  To keep fatal crashes to a minimum, the Florida Highway Patrol is stepping up its patrols.  All troopers normally on administrative duties, plus auxiliary and reserve troopers, will be on patrols for the four-day weekend.

Do yourself a favor and keep your money in your own pocket.  Slow down and practice safe, road-rage-free, driving this weekend.

The second, and most important, thing you can save your weekend is a life.  Being safe can save your life, the life of a loved one and even the life of a total stranger.  Please, don’t drive drunk or even slightly under the influence of achohol or drugs.  Be patient with other drivers and keep from making sudden moves that could result in a crash.  And do whatever you can to make it back home, to school, to work, or wherever you need to be next week, in one piece.