With Labor Day weekend marking the unofficial end of summer, families and friends across the country are gearing up for road trips to celebrate the holiday. According to AAA Carolinas While the long weekend promises adventure, preparation and safety remain essential to ensuring travelers reach their destinations without incident.

Last Labor Day holiday weekend, AAA responded to more than 383,000 calls from stranded motorists, highlighting the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance and road safety practices. AAA urges drivers to plan their trips carefully and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of car trouble and accidents over the holiday period.

Essential Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Before heading out, AAA recommends drivers check the following components to ensure their vehicles are road-ready for the holiday weekend:
•Tires: Inspect tread depth and proper inflation, including the spare tire.
•Battery: Test for signs of wear, such as slow engine starts or dim lights, and replace if needed.
•Brakes: Listen for grinding noises or vibrations, which may signal a need for service.
•Wiper Blades: Replace if they streak or fail to clear the windshield effectively.
•Fluids: Check and top off oil, coolant, and brake fluids as recommended in the owner’s manual.

Drivers are also encouraged to restock their emergency kits with critical supplies such as first-aid items, a flashlight, water, jumper cables, and a basic toolkit.

Safe Driving Reminders

Road safety remains a top priority during holiday travel. AAA reminds drivers of key practices to reduce risks and protect all road users:
•Watch Your Speed: Excessive speed is a factor in nearly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Maintain a safe and steady pace.
•Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes. Focus solely on the road—put away phones and other distractions.
•Don’t Drive Impaired: Alcohol and drugs severely impact judgment and reaction time. Arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service.
•Rest and Stay Alert: Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Take regular breaks to stay refreshed.
•Buckle Up: Seatbelts reduce the risk of severe injury or death. Fasten your seatbelt for every trip, regardless of distance.

What to Do If You Experience Car Trouble

Despite careful preparation, unexpected breakdowns can still occur. Drivers should follow these steps for safety if car trouble arises during their trip:
•Pull over to the nearest exit or shoulder, ensuring you’re as far away from passing traffic as possible.
•Turn on hazard lights to signal distress.
•Stay with your vehicle if it is safe to do so. If you must exit, carefully move to a secure area away from traffic.
•Call for assistance. Use your phone, AAA Mobile App, or AAA’s emergency hotline for help.

Move Over for Me

AAA also reminds drivers to respect Move Over laws, which require motorists to slow down or change lanes when approaching emergency responders, tow trucks, or stranded vehicles. Roadside crashes remain a significant risk, claiming nearly 350 lives annually.

The Purdue University Police Department is asking the campus community to stay alert and keep safe as another busy academic year begins. (Purdue University photo/Kelsey Lefever)

The Purdue University Police Department (PUPD) is providing travel safety tips for both the West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations as a new academic year gets underway.

“This time of year is always exciting as we welcome thousands of students to both locations,” said Chief Lesley Wiete. “We want to ensure our students — along with faculty, staff and visitors — are safe while traveling to or across our campuses. One way we can help achieve that is by spreading information and awareness on how to best navigate a bustling campus environment.”

PUPD recommends following these travel safety tips:

Pedestrians

• Walk on sidewalks, not in roadways.
• Use multiuse paths, where available, if there is no sidewalk.
• Keep alert at all times. Do not be distracted by cellphones.
• Always use crosswalks, marked midblock crossings and intersections.
• Look for vehicles in all directions.
• Obey pedestrian signals at locations where they are installed.
• Reference the Preferred Pedestrian Walking Routes map for the Indianapolis location.

Bicycles, skateboards and electric- or motor-powered vehicle (EMPVs)

Motor vehicles

• Be aware of pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders and EMPV operators.
• Be ready to yield. Know the state laws pertaining to interactions with pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders and EMPV operators at intersections.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk or midblock crossing.
• Slow down where large groups or children may be present, including near residence halls and dining halls, and around apartment complexes, neighborhoods, parks and recreational areas.
• Obey speed limits on and around campus.

Students, faculty and staff in need of an escort to and from campus buildings may utilize the Safe Walk Program on both campuses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For West Lafayette, call 765-494-SAFE (7233). Those at the Indianapolis location can call 317-274-SAFE (7233).

PUPD is part of the Administrative Operations organization. The organization supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Providing the campus community with valuable tips to travel safely across the busy West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations is just one of many ways the organization powers Purdue.