Safety tips for the July 4 holiday time

The motor club AAA Carolinas predicts more than 650 thousand South Carolinians will travel 50 miles or more from home during the July 4 holiday period. And today, the eve of Independence Day, is considered the busiest day for travel. According to Jimmy Watt, public information officer for the Oconee Sheriff’s Office, now’s the time to make sure your vehicle is ready for travel, by checking the tires, brakes, windshield wipers, hoses and belts and fluids. It’s a good idea to plan a travel route and notify a close friend or relative on what that route is. The Oconee Sheriff’s Office will conduct routine law enforcement operations as normal during the holiday period. The Marine Unit will be on the water, weather permitting, patrolling the county parks and recreation areas. To keep thieves away, remember to always lock the doors to your vehicles and never place valuable items in plain view.