Summer is here, for all intents and purposes.  Our community pool, like many in the area, opened Memorial Day weekend.  Already I've noticed a huge increase in pedestrian traffic, especially near the pool.  Because my son is learning to drive, I've paid more attention than usual to basic safety issues lately.

Please remember to drive slowly in areas frequented by pedestrians.  I know this annoys the drivers behind you, but nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of those around us.  Places like your local community center, the shopping areas on Ritchie Highway in Severna Park, the B&A Trail and City Dock in Annapolis are clogged with pedestrians and bicyclists every summer.  Even if they are jaywalking, please slow down or stop for them.

If you're new to the Annapolis/Fort Meade area, you will soon encounter our annual influx of tourists.  Many of them have never driven here before and may be lost or unsure of our traffic regulations and driving patterns.  (If you've lived here a while, you can pick out lost drivers a mile away, I'm sure.)  Please give these drivers a little extra room.

Please be sure to look out for yourself, too.  Check your car's fluid levels and tire pressure before you begin your road trip.  Bring an emergency kit and some bottled water along.  If you're planning to be outdoors, wear sunscreen and reapply it frequently.

I know I sound like your mom, issuing all these reminders.  Maybe it's because I am a mom that I worry each year about lost drivers and kids who dash across busy streets, so anxious to get to the pool that they don't look carefully at the traffic.  Let's make this summer season both safe and enjoyable.