NEWTON––They’re among Catawba County’s finest.

They’re deputies David Lail and Timothy Reed. And they were recently recognized by Sheriff Don Brown as employees of the month for the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. Brown extolled the deputies for the help they provided someone who truly needed them.

The sheriff praised Lail and Reed for “their heartfelt actions to assist an elderly citizen in need. Thank you, Deputy Lail and Deputy Reed, for your dedication to this county and all that you do for our citizens on a daily basis. Congratulations!”

In other news, Brown shared some safety tips for motorists.

“Please keep these tips in mind,” he said, “to avoid an unnecessary tragedy on the road.”

• Always shift your attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind you. Never blankly stare ahead or fix your gaze on one point on the road. Conditions can change in the blink of an eye.

• When passing another car, always glance at the ground beside the front wheel of the car you intend to pass. This will indicate if the car is about to veer, giving you a few extra seconds to respond.

• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and a vehicle you intend to pass. This will give you some time to build up speed and will allow you to pull back into your original lane if need be. Never cut abruptly out of your lane without signaling.

• Always signal your intentions with your brake lights, turn signals, horn and/or headlights so that other drivers will see you well before you change course.

• Check the weather forecast before you embark and be prepared for any rain and wind, as they can have significant impacts on roadways.

• Never follow another vehicle too closely. Remember that as your speed increases, you need extra time to bring your vehicle to stop. Leave a cushion of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you, especially during slippery or low-visibility conditions.

“Most importantly, I ask all motorists to follow the Golden Rule of the road while driving,” Brown added. “Always be courteous to other drivers! Road-rage incidents can delay you and other drivers and can sometimes escalate to violence. Being courteous protects everyone on the road. Make an effort to make the Catawba County roadways a little safer for us all.”