It is time to start thinking about summer travel and family vacations. The warm weather brings out more motorists, which leads to more traffic, and potentially more driving problems.

Summer driving does not have to equate to travel nightmares, however, as long as certain issues are kept in mind.

Foremost on the list of summer driving frustrations are the numerous roadway construction projects undertaken during warm weather months. Undoubtedly, road closures, orange barrels, and long delays will affect many Ohio drivers this summer. Despite the inconveniences, remember these projects are necessary to ensuring the roadway surfaces are safe for travel.

Look for the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s On the Road segment each week on the Ohio News Network for details on locations around the state where travel may be hampered due to ongoing construction projects.

Another way to check travel conditions statewide is through the Patrol’s toll-free road and weather conditions hotline, 1-888-2-OH-ROAD. Additionally, road and weather conditions are available through the Patrol’s website at www.state.oh.us/ohiostatepatrol/.

Patience, caution, and following posted traffic signs will help you get through any road construction woes this summer.

Child passenger safety is another important topic this time of the year because of the number of families embarking on vacation travel. The fact remains that motor vehicle crashes are the highest cause of death for children in the United States.

In Ohio, child safety seats are mandatory for children under four years of age or who weigh under 40 pounds.

During a recent child safety seat inspection event in Lancaster, state troopers inspected 63 car seats, and found only three to be correctly installed. If you have questions about the proper installation of a child safety seat, I encourage you to contact your local Patrol post.

Everyone shares the responsibility to protect children by complying with Ohio’s child passenger safety laws. It is difficult to argue against the fact that child safety seats save lives. Through public education efforts and enforcement of child passenger safety laws, the Patrol will continue to work at saving the lives of children.

Research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows child safety seats, when properly installed and utilized, reduce the risk of death by 69 percent for infants and 47 percent for toddlers.

The three major summer travel holidays, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day traditionally yield tragic events on Ohio roadways. Last year, 42 people were killed on Ohio roadways during these three holiday periods.

A total of 15 people died over the four-day Memorial Day weekend, six people were killed over the July 4th period, and 21 were killed over the four-day Labor Day weekend in 1998.

Alcohol and impaired driving continues to be a contributing factor in too many of these tragedies. State troopers made 1,812 impaired driving arrests last year during the three summer holiday periods.

Making sure your vehicle is travel-ready is an important key to safe summer travel. Automobile maintenance should include checking windshield wipers, tires, lights, and fluid levels. It is also a good idea to ensure the brakes and transmission are working properly.

The emergency kit kept in your vehicle during the winter should be converted for summer travel.

Consider the following items when putting together a summer travel emergency kit: CB radio or cellular phone; flares or safety reflectors; Send Help or Call Police signs; white flag or handkerchief; first aid kit; flashlight; and reflective tape.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to have a variety of ways through which the motoring public can assist troopers in the goal to increase safety on Ohio roadways.

Motorists are encouraged to contact the Patrol to report drunk drivers by dialing 1-800-GRAB-DUI or cellular *DUI. Additionally, 1-877-7-PATROL serves as another link between the public and Patrol to receive highway help, report aggressive drivers, and advise troopers of disabled vehicles.

Safety on Ohio roadways this summer involves a commitment from all motorists by slowing down, wearing safety belts, and avoiding unnecessary risks and aggressive driving that leads to road rage.