I know it feels like there is plenty of mmer left, but September will be here
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before you know it – which means Labor Day weekend and back to school traffic and general increased congestion. We also threw in some advice this month on how to react when an emergency vehicle approaches.
Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day is September 7 this year, and during the weekend leading up to it, the number of fatal and catastrophic accidents increases as more people drive while intoxicated.
- Use caution and be prepared to use your best defensive driving skills if you observe an apparent drunk driver.
- Call 911 to report any drunk drivers traveling on highways or city streets.
- Do not confront drunk drivers directly. They could turn violent.
- Traffic volume increases after Labor Day, so be patient and prepared to plan alternate routes to get your passengers safely to their destinations in the timeliest manner possible.
- Be patient if you’re delayed in a police DWI checkpoint. You and your clients could have been the next victim of the driver being removed from the road.
School Will Be Back in Session
Just after Labor Day, New York City public schools will reopen on Thursday, September 10, which means more pedestrians and children on city streets.
- Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel.
- Watch out for children standing or walking along side of the road. They may choose to cross the street at a dangerous and inappropriate time.
- Always remember to STOP if you are approaching a school bus with a stop sign or flashing red lights, either from the front or behind. It is the law.
- Make a mental note of all the schools, playgrounds, and other locations frequented by children that you may pass during a usual work shift. Be extra careful in those areas.
- Watch out for children walking and looking at their hand-held devices, not paying attention and walking into the street.
Emergency Vehicles
You must yield the right-of-way to police, fire, ambulance, or any other emergency vehicle using a siren or air horn, or red or blue flashing lights.
- When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible.
- If you are in an intersection, drive through it before you pull over.
- Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
- Follow any instructions given over the emergency vehicle’s loudspeaker.
- Emergency vehicles often follow each other so only proceed when it’s clear.
- When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying lighted red or red and blue lights, you must proceed with caution. If it is safe to do so, make a lane change into one not adjacent to the stationary vehicle. Also: Always reduce your speed when approaching an emergency vehicle and always anticipate a sudden or abrupt movement by an emergency vehicle.
Bertram Merling is the Loss Control Coordinator for Hereford Insurance Company. He welcomes your questions and comments, and can be reached at 718.361.9191 ext. 7235, or via email at
