Put safety first this holiday weekend

Another holiday weekend is upon us, and with it, the annual mass migration of Americans to their favorite summer destinations.

Despite high prices at gas pumps, Americans are expected to take to the roads and highways in record numbers this year, according to the American Automobile Association. Of the 40.7 million - up from 40.2 last year - who are estimated by AAA to be traveling more than 50 miles from home this weekend, about 80 percent will do so by car.

Alaskans heading for a weekend adventure also likely will see more traffic than usual. Factoring in the festive nature of the weekend, drivers should exercise extra vigilance and remember the common-sense basics of road safety.

In addition to the usual cautions about the perils of mixing alcohol and driving, drivers should remember the state's new seat belt law and requirements about child-safety seats in vehicles.

Being a big weekend for outdoor recreation, it also is prudent to remember that DUI laws and penalties are the same for drivers and boaters. Boaters also should not forget the potentially life-saving effects of personal flotation devices. State law requires the presence of a Coast Guard-approved PFD, of the proper size, for every person on board, and that children younger than 13 wear a PFD when they are on deck or in an open boat.

Some sobering food for thought for folks heading out on the water: According to 2004 Coast Guard statistics, of the 484 recreational boaters who drowned, 90 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Officials estimate that 431 lives might have been saved had life jackets been used. That said, there's probably nothing better boaters can do to ensure safe outings that to wear a life jacket.

It is hard to imagine a Fourth of July weekend without fireworks. But, with the exception of within the boundaries of the city of Houston, fireworks are illegal in the Mat-Su Borough.

Ten years ago, a fireworks-kindled blaze became the Millers Reach Fire. In the two-plus weeks it burned, nearly 40,000 acres and 350 structures were consumed near Big Lake.

Nonetheless, area law enforcement agencies do not aggressively enforce the borough fireworks ordinance. So, again, a little common sense goes a long way in safe handling of fireworks, for those who choose to use them. Some safety tips appear on Page A3 of this

newspaper.

We wish all of our readers a happy, festive and safe Independence Day weekend.