A Selma family will be saying goodbye this week to a teenager who died Saturday as the result of a three-vehicle wreck in Lowndes County.

LaQuesa M. Dixon, 19, was a passenger traveling east on Highway 80 when the collision occurred.

Accidents can happen at any time of the year, but we should be particularly cautious during the holiday season, when people have their minds on other things and are often in a hurry.

The National Safety Council offers the following tips to keep you safe on the roads:

Don’t start the engine without securing each passenger in the car, including children and pets. Lock all doors.

Remember that driving too fast or too slow can increase the likelihood of collisions.

If you plan to drink, designate a driver who won’t drink. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.

If you notice that a car is straddling the center line, weaving, making wide turns, stopping abruptly or responding slowly to traffic signals, the driver may be impaired.

Avoid an impaired driver by turning right at the nearest corner or exiting at the nearest exit. If it appears that an oncoming car is crossing into your lane, pull over to the roadside, sound the horn and flash your lights.

Notify the police immediately after seeing a motorist who is driving suspiciously.

Follow the rules of the road. Be respectful of other motorists.

Stay safe this season.