Dear Editor:
As your Sheriff of Hudson County I want to wish everyone a safe and happy summer. In keeping with safety issues I am bringing the following Driver Safety Information to your attention as many will be out operating their motor vehicles in the remaining summer months.
I must point out that there are unfortunate reports around the country of children dying of hyperthermia after being locked for periods of time in sweltering cars. The Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that already eighteen children in the United States have reportedly suffered death in this manner with eight of those deaths in the past two weeks with the record high temperatures. There are also reports of children locking themselves in hot cars accidentally while entering unlocked cars with the intention of playing in the vehicles. Do not leave or permit children to be near an unlocked vehicle on a hot day. If you see a child alone in a vehicle call 9-1-1 immediately. When you are driving make a habit of looking in your vehicle front and back before locking the door and walking away, make sure all of the children are out of the vehicle if you are dropping one of them off at a day care facility. Again, make sure your child leaves the vehicle with you when you park and lock the vehicle.
We urge you to obey the laws and never talk or text on a cell phone while driving. Do not occupy yourself with any activity in the vehicle while driving such as writing, reading, applying makeup or any other activity that will take your attention from the road. Never drive after taking any type of medication that would lead to drowsiness or confusion. If you are towing another vehicle or have a trailer attached to your vehicle ensure that the hitch or device is strong enough for the weight of the vehicle or trailer being towed to prevent the vehicle from coming loose while in tow.
We in the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office wish all a safe, happy and healthy summer.
Respectfully,
Juan M. Perez
Sheriff of Hudson County