Remember, Honor and Drive Safely This Memorial Day

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.

The Memorial Day holiday, along with other summertime holidays (Independence Day and Labor Day) have the highest average fatality rates per day.

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.

• 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 you 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.
• 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. A large proportion of traffic deaths over the holiday weekend are linked to alcohol consumption.  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? Check your tires, fluids, and battery to avoid any potential breakdowns.