The roads can be treacherous on drinking holidays such as Memorial Day weekend. In addition to drunk drivers, holiday traffic congestion increases the risk of crashing.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 377 people lost their lives in accidents over Memorial Day weekend in 2012. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of becoming a statistic by following these four tips:
- Do not drive under the influence;
- Avoid driving at peak traffic hours;
- Do not drive while distracted; and
- Stay off the road between midnight and 3 a.m.
Although these tips can reduce your risk of crashing, nobody is immune to accidents. If you or someone you love suffers an injury over Memorial Day weekend, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm to discuss your options for recovering compensation.
Our attorneys have recovered more than $200 million for our clients in cash settlements and verdicts. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Alexandria.
Read on for a closer look at four tips to help you avoid collisions over Memorial Day weekend:
- Do Not Drive under the Influence
Alcohol contributes to nearly one-third of all traffic deaths, and you can expect drunk driving rates to spike over the holiday period. The easiest way to reduce your risk is to stay sober if you intend to drive.
You should also look for signs that other motorists are intoxicated. Keep your distance from drivers who show one or more of the following signs of inebriation:
- Not using the turn signal;
- Using the wrong turn signal;
- Speeding or tailgating;
- Straddling two lanes;
- Swerving or drifting onto the shoulder; or
- Driving at night with the headlights turned off.
- Avoid Driving at Peak Traffic Hours
Research cited by TIME shows that nearly 40 million people take road trips over Memorial Day weekend. You are likely to run into holiday traffic congestion on Friday and Monday, so if you are planning a road trip, try to start your travels a day early or late, and use the same strategy on your return trip.
- Do Not Drive while Distracted
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Distracted driving killed more than 3,470 people in 2015. You can reduce your risk by putting your cell phone on silent, limiting the number of passengers you carry, not eating or drinking behind the wheel, and asking a passenger to adjust the climate and audio controls for you.
- Stay off the Road between Midnight and 3 a.m.
According to BACtrack, drunk driving accidents are more likely to occur between midnight and 3 a.m. than during any other time interval. Try to avoid driving at those times.
Unfortunately, even the most responsible motorists can fall victim to drunk drivers. If you suffer an injury in a Memorial Day weekend accident, turn to Laborde Earles Law Firm.
Our award-winning attorneys have 250 years of combined experience representing the injured. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Alexandria.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
