Memorial Day marks the official start of summer, but it’s also one of the most dangerous driving weekends of the year. This increased risk is due to more drivers being on the road, tourists who are unfamiliar with a specific geographical area, and consumption of alcohol. Miami and the Miami Beaches happen to be a popular tourist destination for many people over the three-day weekend. This is also the first major holiday since COVID-19 vaccines have been widely available and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recently updated guidance that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear face masks.
According to AAA, from Thursday through Monday, more than 37 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home.
Before you get behind the wheel this holiday weekend, remember these driving safety tips.
- Give Yourself Extra Time: More cars will be on the roads this Memorial Day, which means congestion and longer travel time to get to your destination.
- Be Patient: You should expect your travel time to increase so be patient, not only with yourself but with other drivers and pedestrians.
- Take Breaks: If you are traveling a long distance, take breaks along the way. It is recommended that you get out and move your legs every few hours to keep yourself alert.
- Be Aware of Peak Travel Times: If you have some flexibility in planning your travel itinerary, it helps to be aware of what times will be the busiest on the road. For example, the Friday afternoon of Memorial Day weekend is the busiest time to travel and will have the most traffic congestion.
- Drive defensively, distraction-free, and alcohol-free: Throughout the weekend, you should anticipate that a lot of people will be heading home from cookouts where they will likely have consumed alcohol. Alcohol is a contributing factor in a significant percentage of traffic fatalities during the holiday weekend. Be aware of drivers around you, especially those who are driving erratically, possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Do not drink and drive this holiday weekend.
Check your tires, fluids, and battery to avoid any potential breakdowns. We hope everyone gets to relax and enjoy this holiday weekend safely.
INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND?
OUR FIRM IS HERE FOR YOU.
Memorial Day weekend driving accidents often happen when you least expect it. If you are involved in any type of accident over the holiday weekend- whether it be a car accident, pedestrian accident or an accident on a cruise ship, our firm is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Spencer Aronfeld is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer, and he and the lawyers at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws and since 1991 we have fought hard to protect the legal rights of the injured and their families. Contact us today and speak with an experienced attorney toll free 1-866-597-4529, local 305-441-0440, or by email. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel, or hospital. Call us today, we are ready to help.
