September is National Preparedness Month and while we prepare for inclement weather, we also need to prepare for running into bad weather while on the road.

Although these weather conditions are hard to predict at times, being prepared can help.

Here are a few safety measures to put into place prior to facing inclement weather.

1. Keep windshield wipers updated
2. Check tire pressure and tread
3. Check car battery, hoses, belts and fluids before long road trips

For more tips on mobility and vehicle safety, follow the Southlake Mobility Facebook page and sign up for our Mobility e-newsletter.

We know you have places to be, but it’s important to remember that if you’re driving and an emergency vehicle approaches you with its lights or sirens on, please move to the right if possible. 

Emergency vehicles turn on their lights and sirens to respond to high priority calls, which means it could be a life and death situation. The City of Southlake Police and Fire Departments ask that you expect emergency vehicles to use the left lane.  

Please don’t stop in front of the emergency vehicle or pull to the left. What should you do if an emergency vehicle is behind you with its lights and sirens on? 

• Never drive distracted. 
• Use blinkers. 
• Yield. 
• Safely move to the right. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019. Accidents due to distracted driving are preventable.  

Even though you’re itching to read that text message your friend just sent or scroll your email at the red light, using your phone can wait until you’re parked or at your destination. 

What can you do to end distracted driving? Follow our tips below: 

• Talk to your teen driver about distracted driving and refraining from using their cell phone while operating a vehicle. 
• Be a good example for those in your vehicle and don’t use your cell phone. 
• Use a buddy in the vehicle to check message or take phone calls if necessary. 
• Take the #JustDrive pledge and educate others about distracted driving. 

For more information about distracted driving, visit the NHTSA website. 

Let’s make the world a better place with a resolution to stop distracted driving.

We’re constantly sending friends and family photos of our dog, memes and links to viral videos through text messages. As much as you would like to respond when you’re driving, DON’T. It can wait.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed the lives of 2,841 individuals in 2018. Similar research by the Texas Department of Transportation in 2019 showed 97,853 crashes were due to distracted driving, inattention or cell phone use.

This year, make it your resolution to stop texting and driving and help create safer roads for everyone.

For more information on the It Can Wait movement, visit www.ItCanWait.com.