Department of Public Safety

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies are reminding motorists as Spring and Summer vacation season approaches to take steps to avoid being distracted when behind the wheel. Here are some tips to consider and share with other drivers in your family:

• Familiarize yourself with all of your vehicle's features before you drive.
• Before the trip, present radio stations, MP3 devices and climate control.
• Secure all items so they do not move around when the car is in motion.
• Do not text message, access the Internet, watch video, play video games, search MP3 devices or use any other distracting technology while driving.
• Have a passenger help you with any activities that may be distracting.
• Pull safely off the road and out of traffic to deal with problems with children or pets.
• Avoid smoking, eating, drinking and reading while driving.
• Do your personal grooming at home -- not behind the wheel.
• Read the maps and check driving directions before driving.
• Buckle up and pay attention.

Department of Public Safety

City of St. Louis