Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to take a road trip, visit loved ones, or hit the town with friends. If your plans involve driving, though, bear in mind that traffic accidents tend to spike over the holiday period. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 377 people died in collisions over Memorial Day weekend in 2012.
Traffic congestion and drunk driving are two primary factors that contribute to this rise in accidents. Although nobody is immune to collisions, you can reduce your risk by following these four tips:
- Avoid driving in congested traffic;
- Do not drink and drive;
- Stay off the road between midnight and 3 a.m.; and
- Avoid distracted driving.
Sadly, even the most responsible motorists can fall victim to drunk, distracted, and negligent drivers. If you are injured in a traffic crash over Memorial Day weekend, contact The Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr.
Mr. Fusner has 40 years of experience as a practicing attorney. He will gather evidence, interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 800-427-8960 to arrange a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Nashville.
Let’s take a closer look at four strategies to help you survive Memorial Day weekend unscathed:
- Avoid Driving in Congested Traffic
According to TIME, nearly 40 million people celebrate the Memorial Day weekend by taking road trips. That means cities like Nashville could see a major increase in traffic congestion particularily with I-24, I-40 and I-65 connecting together with I-440.
Friday and Monday are usually the busiest travel days over Memorial Day weekend. Try to avoid driving on those days, and if you take a road trip, consider leaving a day early or late to bypass the gridlock.
- Do Not Drink and Drive
Drunk driving is a leading cause of accidents throughout the year, but alcohol-related crashes tend to spike over holiday weekends. The best 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. Common symptoms include:
- Not using the headlights while driving at night;
- Swerving;
- Abnormal braking patterns;
- Speeding;
- Tailgating;
- Drifting onto the shoulder; or
- Stopping well before or after a stop line.
- Stay off the Road between Midnight and 3 a.m.
There are more drunk drivers on the road between midnight and 3 a.m. than at any other time interval of the day, according to BACtrack. Try to stay off the road during those hours.
- Avoid Distracted Driving
More than 3,470 people died in distracted driving accidents in 2015. Remember to put your cell phone on silent before you start the engine. Do not eat or drink behind the wheel, and ask a passenger to adjust the audio and climate controls for you.
Although these tips can reduce your risk of crashing, all it takes is one drunk, distracted, or negligent motorist to cause a collision. If you are injured in a traffic accident over Memorial Day weekend, turn to the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. Call 800-427-8960 to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney in Nashville.
