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, so be prepared if you plan to be on the roads Memorial Day weekend.
The Memorial Day holiday, along with other summertime holidays (Independence Day and Labor Day) have the highest average fatality rates per day.
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 on this weekend than others. The reason for this increase in traffic-related fatalities can be directly attributed to alcohol.
In Florida, millions of tourists are expected to travel this weekend. AAA predicts the highest tourism rates since before the COVID-19 pandemic and many places in Florida, including Miami, Tampa Bay, and Orlando, are seeing record booking numbers. The risk of being seriously injured in an accident are high.
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.
- 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? Here is a checklist of items you should keep in your car.
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 1-888-742-0372, 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.
