5 Tips to Stay Safe This Memorial Day Weekend
May 20, 2021
Memorial Day Weekend is one of the busiest times to be out on the road due to millions of Americans traveling to parties, to the beach, or going on a long-distance road trip vacation. However, the increased number of vehicles on the roads means an increase in the number of accidents. Memorial Day Weekend sees some of the highest rates of motor vehicle accidents of any time of the year.
If you’re going to be driving somewhere this holiday weekend, here are a few tips to help keep yourself safe out on the road.
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Avoid Drinking and Driving
Parties and celebrations over the Memorial Day holiday often involve alcohol. If you choose to partake in drinking, make plans to avoid driving until you’ve sobered up, including cutting off alcohol for several hours before you need to leave or making plans to sleep over at your destination. Alternatively, have a designated driver for your vehicle, or take a taxi, rideshare, or livery vehicle home.
Avoid Driving While Tired or Fatigued
Drowsy or fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. It can be easy to get behind the wheel after a long Memorial Day Weekend, especially if you’re traveling long distances for the holiday. Make sure you’re properly rested before getting out on the road. Ideally, avoid driving late at night when you’re most likely to be tired or fatigued. If you’re driving a long distance, remember to stop every couple of hours to get out of your car, stretch, and take a quick walk to refresh and energize yourself.
Read more: Consequences of Drowsy Driving in Pennsylvania
Minimize Distractions While Behind the Wheel
With extra traffic on the road during Memorial Day Weekend, you can’t afford to take your attention off the road for even a moment. Avoid the temptation or need to look at your cell phone, navigation device, or vehicle infotainment system. Enter your destination into your navigation device or software before setting off. If you need to call or text someone while on the road, have a passenger do it for you, or pull off the road where safe to do so to send the text or make a call.
Obey the Traffic Laws
Traffic and delays are a common feature of the Memorial Day Weekend. Avoid the temptation to speed or engage in aggressive or reckless driving to make up time to get to your destination when you need to be there. Consider leaving early and planning out your route so that you don’t have to feel rushed when on the road and can drive in a safe and legal manner.
Stay Safe In Your Vehicle
Before heading out, particularly on a road trip, inspect your vehicle to make sure that it is in good condition and working order, especially lights, wipers, brakes, and tires. Make sure your vehicle has sufficient oil and coolant. Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle with a flashlight, gloves, hazard triangles or flares, cell phone charger, water, and first aid kit. Ensure that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up and that small children are in car seats or booster seats.
Read more: Do I Have a Car Accident Claim?
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. represent clients injured in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Western PA counties. Call (412) 766-1455 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
