Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Warn Travelers of Labor Day Weekend Dangers

Summer is winding down, and many will be taking advantage of Labor Day weekend to get in a last minute trip or celebration with friends. Last year, an estimated 35 million people across the country traveled more that 50 miles over the long weekend. As people are driving to beaches and barbecues, Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger want to remind travelers to stay safe on the road.

Accidents tend to increase over holidays, when highways are clogged with travelers. Labor Day weekend is considered the fourth most dangerous holiday for travel in the U.S. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that about 400 traffic fatalities occur each year over Labor Day weekend, and an additional 35,000 to 40,000 people are severely injured in car accidents during the holiday.

Drunk Driving a Factor in Many Holiday Crashes

Traffic jams are not the only reason for the increase in the number of car accidents. Over the holidays, incidents of drunk driving car accidents increase exponentially. According to the NSC, approximately 40% of the Labor Day weekend traffic fatalities are caused by a drunk driver. This amounts to about 150 alcohol-related deaths over a three-day period, compared to the non-holiday average of 28 fatalities per day. Most travelers do not intend to drive under the influence over the holidays, but alcohol can impair drivers’ judgment and cause them to overestimate their abilities.

Labor Day weekend also marks the end of what AAA calls the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities involving teen drivers sharply increase. In 2013, there was a 43% increase in the number of fatal teen car accidents in the summer months. In a recent study, AAA found that almost two-thirds of injuries and fatalities in teen driver crashes involve people other than the teen driver. AAA warns all drivers to be vigilant, especially during the summer when more teens are behind the wheel.

Drivers Should Use Extra Caution Over Holiday Travel Periods

During the holiday weekend, when there are inevitably more hazards on the road, it is especially important for drivers to engage in safe behaviors. Anyone who is planning on traveling over Labor Day should appoint a designated driver to eliminate any possibility of driving under the influence. Whenever possible, drivers should travel during the day and avoid any distractions such as eating, drinking, or using cell phones while driving. As always, seatbelts must be worn by all passengers whenever the car is in motion. When drivers fail to follow these safety measures, the resulting accidents can cause serious or fatal injuries.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Law Firm, Galfand Berger, Fights for Justice for Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident due to someone’s negligence, Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger can get you the compensation you deserve. We will thoroughly review the facts of your case to determine who is at fault for your injuries and hold that party accountable. With offices conveniently located in Center City, Philadelphia, we serve car accident victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online for a free consultation.