For those hitting the road this Labor Day weekend, AAA and local law enforcement are offering tips and advice to arrive safely to your destination.  The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of travel and could impact the number of visitors to the Door Peninsula.  Door County Chief Deputy Pat McCarty encourages you to always drive defensively and give yourself plenty of room behind the vehicle in front of you.  He says speed is one of the major factors in highway accident fatalities. 

McCarty also advises drivers to plan in advance any travel over the busy holiday weekend and allow plenty of time to get to your destination in and around Door County with the expected increase in traffic.  AAA travel experts are not making predictions this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but do expect more last-minute travel this weekend. 

Safety tips from American Trucking Associaton's America Road Team Captains:

• Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel. Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.
• Plan ahead. Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
• Don’t cut in front of large trucks. Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• Use a map or GPS. Surprisingly, few motorists plan their routes, even when driving through unfamiliar areas. Knowing the road is essential for safe driving – it allows you to anticipate lane changes and avoid a panicked search for directions.
• Leave early and avoid risks. Leave early and allow for delays in your travel schedule. Know your limitations; don’t drive when tired, upset or physically ill.
• Be aware of trucks’ blind spots. When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.