Memorial Day Weekend falls at the end of this month, signaling the unofficial start of summer for many people, as well as warmer weather. Be careful to heed carbon monoxide warnings if you are parked with the air conditioner on. The warmer weather also means more pedestrians.
Memorial Day Weekend
- Memorial Day is May 28, and police will be setting up DWI checkpoints throughout the Tristate Area during the weekend leading up to it. Be patient if you are delayed by a DWI checkpoint. Police may be removing drivers that could be impaired, and therefore present a danger to you and your passengers.
- The onset of warmer weather, combined with the holiday weekend means you should use extra caution in areas where children may be playing – including parks, playgrounds, fire hydrants, etc.
- Warmer weather can sometimes trigger road rage incidents. Keep your vehicle cool so you do not react in a negative way to other drivers who may also be feeling the heat.
Beware of Carbon Monoxide While Idling
- Do not leave your vehicle’s motor running when you are in an indoor garage.
- Do not leave the motor running and windows closed while you wait for your next trip.
- Do not use the air conditioner in a parked vehicle with the windows closed.
- Do not leave the vents open when following closely behind other vehicles.
- Have your muffler or exhaust system checked before the warmer weather arrives and you need to use your air conditioner.
Pedicabs
- Always anticipate a pedicab will make an unsafe maneuver to respond to a potential passenger. Use special caution and be prepared to use your defensive driving skills in areas frequented by pedicabs, such as Times Square, Central Park South and Central Park.
- Providing personalized service to your passengers can help reduce the number of pedicabs on the road. Point out the sights of New York to your tourist passengers. Show them you can be as helpful, courteous and charming as popular pedicab operators so that they will want to use your service again. FHVs are safer, more comfortable and cheaper than pedicabs.
- Remember, you MUST treat pedicabs as pedestrians and bicycles, yielding to them at all times, regardless of the circumstances.
Right of Way
- Where vehicles or pedestrians are likely to meet one another, and there are no signs or signals to regulate traffic, there are rules that say who must yield the right-of-way. These rules tell drivers who goes first and who must wait in different traffic situations. The law says drivers must always do everything they can at all times to prevent striking a pedestrian or another vehicle, regardless of the circumstances.
- Practicing good defensive driving skills at all times will help you avoid incidents and accidents, relieving you of any on-the-spot decisions regarding right-of-way. The more you practice defensive driving, the easier it becomes.
