With Spring Break season under way in Pike County, law enforcement officials are once again urging residents to stay safe – and be smart.

We’d echo that advice.

With Troy University students leaving this weekend for a week away from classes and residences, temptations abound for would-be thieves and burglars. Taking precautions such as locking doors and windows; removing expensive computers or televisions; and asking neighbors to keep a watch on property are all smart moves.

But as we know all too well here in Pike County, spring break means traffic and lots of it. With more than 30,000 cars on a good day travelling the U.S. 231 corridor through Pike County, safety is an issue.

And, even more than ever, it’s time to reinforce what we all know: distracted driving can be deadly. Put down the phone and wait until you’re parked to send that text or answer that call. The road and your vehicle demand your full attention, even more so with the number of teens and young adults who will be driving through Pike County on the way to and from the beaches this month.

So go ahead, unpack those flip flops and that sunscreen and adjust your minds for spring break and the season it heralds.

Just remember to drive smart and be safe.