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AAA Michigan Offers Safety Tips for Dream Cruise

14 August 1997

AAA Michigan Offers Safety Tips for Dream Cruise

    DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 14 -- Caution, courtesy and common
sense should be the watchwords for people participating in the Woodward Dream
Cruise on Saturday, say AAA Michigan and the Traffic Improvement Association
of Oakland County.
    Organizers of the Dream Cruise are predicting close to a million people
will be involved in the event as drivers and passengers in the parade of cars,
and as spectators along the route.  The Auto Club and the Traffic Safety
Association want people to enjoy the fun, but keep safety for themselves and
others as their highest priority.
    "We urge everyone participating in the Dream Cruise to keep their
activities within the bounds of safety," said Jerry Basch, AAA Michigan's
Community Safety Services manager.  "This event should not be an occasion for
violating any of the rules for traffic safety.  Drivers should observe posted
speed limits, stop at intersections when the yellow caution light goes on, be
alert for pedestrians who may dart into the street, and promptly yield the
right-of-way to any emergency vehicles approaching," Basch said.
    "Above all, the event should not be an occasion to forget the danger of
drinking & driving," Basch emphasized.  "And spectators and pedestrians also
should use common sense.  Alcohol can affect their judgment just as it can a
driver's."
    Basch said residents in the area should not be concerned that the Dream
Cruise might interfere with ambulances, firefighting equipment or other
vehicles responding to an emergency.
    "We have talked to police in communities along Woodward, and they have
assured us alternate routes have been designated for emergency vehicles.
Police departments in the communities involved will have full forces on the
scene, and cruise activity will not hinder response to emergency calls to
911," Basch said.
    Basch also noted that police will be diligently enforcing all traffic laws
and rules governing public behavior, such as prohibition against anyone
walking, riding or driving with an alcoholic beverage in an open container.
    "If people will just use good judgment, be considerate of others and obey
the rules, the Dream Cruise can be a pleasant experience for everyone
involved," Basch said.

SOURCE  AAA Michigan