Remember Road Safety This Labor Day Weekend
As Labor Day weekend approaches, most Americans will try to enjoy the last few days of summer. Whether you plan to hit the road for a long weekend getaway or stay close to home, road safety should be a priority. With increased road traffic, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to prevent accidents.
Driving safety is especially important during Labor Day weekend, as it’s one of the year’s busiest travel weekends. According to the National Safety Council, around 400 deaths result from motor vehicle collisions over Labor Day Weekend. Following a few simple tips can help ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe on the road.
Labor Day Weekend Car Accident Statistics
As families across the United States prepare to celebrate Labor Day weekend, it is important to remember that this holiday period is traditionally a time of increased travel and, unfortunately, an increased risk of car accidents. The Labor Day weekend is the second deadliest holiday for traffic fatalities, with more than 4,000 people dying over the past ten years.
Research shows that Memorial Day through Labor Day is the deadliest time of the year regarding car collisions. During this period, there is an average of 17% more fatal crashes per day than during the rest of the year.
It is not just fatalities that are a concern during Labor Day weekend. The NSC also estimates that approximately 42,600 non-fatal injuries will require medical attention during the 2022 Labor Day holiday period.
It is important to follow safe driving practices to help prevent car accidents and injuries during the Labor Day weekend. This includes wearing your seatbelt, avoiding distracted driving, obeying traffic laws, and never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, get enough rest before driving long distances and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
Why is Labor Day Weekend Dangerous For Drivers?
Most people don’t consider Labor Day weekend to be a dangerous holiday. However, Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with millions of people hitting the roads to enjoy the last long summer weekend. With so many vehicles on the road, the chances of accidents increase significantly.
Drunk driving is also a significant problem during Labor Day weekend. In fatal crashes during the month of August over the five-year period of 2015-2019, 8% of the drunk drivers involved, with a BAC of .08 or higher, had one or more previous convictions for drunk driving.
Keep Safety In Mind This Labor Day Weekend
When it comes to driving, safety should always be a top priority. As you hit the highway to enjoy the long weekend this Labor Day weekend, it’s important to remember some basic driving safety tips.
- Seat Belts. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and most effective way to protect yourself in case of an accident. You and all your passengers must buckle up, and younger children should be properly secured in car seats before you hit the road. This is true even if you’re traveling close to home.
- Speed Limits. Observe speed limits and adjust your speed according to the road conditions. Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road. Remember, getting to your destination a few minutes early is not worth risking your life or the lives of others.
- Rules of the Road. Follow the rules of the road, including traffic signals and signs. Yield to pedestrians, signal before turning, and never run a red light or stop sign. Also, be aware of other drivers and be prepared to react accordingly.
- Avoid distractions while driving, such as using your phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Keep your focus on the road and your surroundings. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe location.
- Work Zones. Be extra cautious in work zones, where construction workers or equipment may be on the road. Follow any posted speed limits and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.
- Inclement Weather. Be prepared for inclement weather by checking the forecast before you hit the road. If you encounter rain or high winds, slow down and increase your following distance. Use your headlights and windshield wipers as necessary.
- Designated Driver. If you plan on drinking, have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service. Driving under the influence is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents.
Remember, law enforcement will be in full force this Labor Day weekend, so drive safely and responsibly. Following these driving safety tips can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend for everyone on the road.
Contact Our Southern California Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident this Labor Day or at any time, we can help. Our law firm has helped injured car accident victims in San Bernardino put their lives back together again after a serious crash. We know the best ways to get you the compensation you deserve, and we fight aggressively to ensure that you have the money you need.
Call a Southern California car accident lawyer today at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. to get the help you need to move forward. Call (909) 890-1000 or complete our confidential contact form today.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.