Weekend safety

The unofficial end to summer comes this weekend with the Labor Day holiday. For many the next few days present an opportunity for one more taste of summer.

If your plans revolve around boating, the Army Corps of Engineers encourages people to be cautious, use life jackets and monitor their children. They note that open-water swimming is different from pool swimming, and alcohol has played a role in several previous drownings.

If you're traveling, pay special attention to the roadways. The Missouri Department of Transportation said in a news release that this weekend is one of the busiest of the year for travel. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign continues through Monday -- though impaired driving never should take place.

According to MoDOT, there were seven fatalities and 413 injuries from 1,086 traffic crashes during the 2012 Labor Day holiday in Missouri.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety offers several tips for weekend safety. Here's a summary: Use your safety belt in vehicles; don't drive impaired; obey speed limits and slow down as needed based on weather and traffic conditions; stay alert; adhere to traffic rules and signs; preplan your trip; make sure you're not tired while driving; and be patient and courteous.

If you're participating in the 61-Mile Yard Sale taking place between Bloomsdale to Jackson along U.S. 61 or traveling that way, use extra caution. This looks to be another fun event, but be safe.

We hope you have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.