Summer months are upon us which means children are getting out of school and many families will be packing up to travel for the summer. Heading to popular summer destinations such as the beach is fun and exciting but ensuring that you are traveling safely is of the upmost importance. The Cornelius Police Department cares about the safety of motorists and would like to offer some travel tips to think about this summer.

• During long trips, make sure you stop for breaks to reduce fatigue while driving. It is estimated that 100,000 police reported crashes per year are the result of driver fatigue.

• Be mindful of the cruise control function in your vehicle. While this feature is nice during long drives, cruise control could contribute to loss of focus on the road.

• Before you leave for your destination, know the route you plan to take. Having a better idea of where you will be headed will help you plan ahead of time in case of emergency.

• Make sure you have had your vehicle inspected before taking your vehicle on an extended trip. Inspecting the tires, brakes, lights and fluids in your vehicle will help make sure your family arrives at their destination safely.

Summer months also mean that teenage drivers are out of school and possibly on the road more often. Making sure that teen drivers are safe during their trips, no matter how close or far, is extremely important. Younger drivers can be safer drivers by storing their electronic devices in a safe area and by limiting the amount of passengers they have in their vehicle even after their learners permits allow them to have as many passengers as the vehicle can hold.

The Cornelius Police Department hopes that you enjoy your summer vacations this year and take advantage of these tips to make sure your summer travels are safer.