Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day! 2025 Travel Forecast & Safety Tips from Aronfeld Trial Lawyers
The roads can be a dangerous place on any given day, but statistics show that certain days stand out among the rest for being more dangerous. We happen to be coming up on one of those days. If you are planning to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, you won’t be alone. A record-breaking 2.6 million Floridians are expected to be traveling from Thursday, May 22, through Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, and most of them (2.3 million) will be driving, according to AAA.
Afternoon and early evening hours are when drivers can expect to see the most congestion, particularly around the beaches and theme parks. Miami and Orlando have been named as the two most popular Memorial Day weekend destinations.
What are the best times to travel by car for Memorial Day weekend?
If you are planning to drive this holiday weekend, it’s best to leave early. On Thursday, May 22, and Saturday, May 24, travelers should try and leave before noon. On Friday, May 23, the optimal time to start driving is before 11 a.m.
When driving home, try to leave before 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, and before 2 p.m. on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day).
What are the worst times to travel by car for Memorial Day weekend?
Traffic is expected to start congestion in the afternoons, according to transportation data and insights company INRIX, especially around metro areas. The worst time to drive will be between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursday, and from noon until 8 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, heavy congestion is expected from 2 p.m. through 6 p.m.
When driving home, expect most traffic to be from 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. on Sunday and from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. on the holiday itself, AAA said.
Memorial Day has long been heralded as the official start of summer, but it is also one of the deadliest driving holidays of the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 400 people die annually during Memorial Day weekend from traffic accidents. Additionally, approximately 13 percent more traffic deaths happen this weekend than others. The reason for this increase in traffic-related fatalities can be directly attributed to alcohol.
Before you get behind the wheel this holiday weekend, remember these driving safety tips.
1. 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.
2. Be Patient. You should expect your travel time to increase so be patient, not only with yourself but with other drivers and pedestrians.
3. 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.
4. 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, Friday afternoon of Memorial Day weekend is the busiest time to travel and will have the most traffic congestion.
5. 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.
6. Be prepared. Know the weather forecast before you get behind the wheel. Is a storm likely? Do you have emergency supplies in the car like water, a first-aid kit, flashlight, blanket, map, and a roadside safety kit? These items should be kept in your car, in case of emergency.
Check your tires, fluids, and battery to avoid any potential breakdowns. We hope everyone gets to relax and enjoy this holiday weekend safely. And remember, SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES. Studies show seat belts, when used, are 45% effective in preventing fatalities among front-seat passenger car occupants.
Based on the projected number of vehicle occupants who will wear seat belts, an estimated 169 lives may be saved this Memorial Day holiday period, according to the National Safety Council (NSC) Injury Facts. An additional 118 lives could be saved if all vehicle occupants wore seat belts.
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 1-888-742-0372, local 305-770-6553, or by email. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel or hospital. Call us today, we are ready to help.
