Cleveland Co. Sheriff's Office Offers Safety Tips For Memorial Day Weekend

With the Memorial Day weekend ahead, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office encourages everyone to enjoy the holiday weekend, but reminds Oklahomans to be safe especially on roads and lakes.

Deputies ask that people wear seat belts as they travel to their destination, and no drinking and driving.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, 11 people were killed in crashes on Oklahoma roads over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in 2014. Five of those fatalities happened in alcohol-drug related wrecks.

Also, deputies want to remind people to watch speed limits and pay attention to the road. No texting and driving. Deputies won't hesitate to stop and cite motorist caught not obeying traffic laws.

This holiday weekend also is a popular time for crowds to gather at area lakes. The abundance of rain has elevated most lake levels.

As people visit the lake, the Sheriff's office reminds them to wear life preservers while boating or swimming. Even the strongest swimmer can get into trouble in the water and drown.

Sheriff Joe Lester said his deputies will arrest and jail anyone caught breaking the law and putting others in danger.

“I hope everybody has a good time with their family and friends over the Memorial Day weekend but please be cautious and keep safe,” Lester said. “If you disregard the law, you will find yourself in trouble and spending the long-weekend in jail.”