Tips for staying safe at holiday time

The busiest travel day and the day that is still regarded the busiest for holiday shopping are sufficient reasons for everyone to exercise caution this week. And the Oconee Sheriff’s Office is out with some tips to make the experience the easiest and safest it can be. The motor club AAA predicts more than 46 million people will travel by road, rail or air to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving, with tomorrow the day when most traffic is anticipated. Defensive driving is always advised but Jimmy Watt, the public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, urges all drivers to remember that courtesy can go a long way in helping keep down accidents. Watt says, “Many people will be using the same roads you do so be courteous.” To get a start on Black Friday sales, many retailers will open their stores Thanksgiving Day. The potential for theft will be heightened, so vigilance is important. Some of Sheriff Mike Crenshaw’s tips are don’t buy more than you can carry, shop with only one credit card, never leave your purse, wallet or phone unattended.