Be mindful of the rules during the holiday weekend

July 02, 2008 11:05 pm

— Safety is the word this holiday weekend.
With the Fourth of July on a Friday this year, that makes for a long holiday weekend, and lots of people no doubt will be on the road at some point. Lakes figure to be a popular destination.
We know fireworks are going to be a big thing, as they always are on the Fourth of July. However, we urge everyone to remember the rules.
Fireworks are not allowed in Enid city limits. That means possessing and using them. If you get caught, you face a hefty fine and confiscation of your fireworks.
And, don’t forget, even if you are outside Enid city limits, there are rules you have to follow, as well.
You can’t light fireworks on a county road. And, you can’t discharge them within 500 feet of a church, hospital, asylum, unharvested agricultural crop, school or fireworks stand. Fireworks also cannot be discharged from a car, and it is illegal to light them in a vehicle or near a group of people.
The best thing would be to go to any of the displays put on by the professionals in the area. Enid’s big show will be Friday at Meadowlake Park. Other area communities also will have displays.
If you travel during the weekend, we hope you follow the rules of the road and be safe.
Don’t drink and drive. That’s just dumb, and it puts you and others at risk.
There are other rules to follow, too. Don’t speed and be sure to buckle up. Practice your defensive driving skills and keep an eye out for others on the road.
If you go to the lake, it pays to be safe.
Don’t ever operate a boat or personal watercraft while or after drinking. If you shouldn’t drink and drive on the road, it makes sense you shouldn’t drink and operate a boat.
Also, be sure everyone on board has a life jacket.
Don’t turn a good family time into a tragedy.
Be safe and have fun.