Risk of Car Accidents Memorial Day

Memorial Day, the unofficial kick-off to summer, is finally around the corner. A “perfect storm” of factors will lead to an unprecedented number of drivers taking to the road this year: cheaper gas prices, an improvement in the employment rate, and cabin fever after being cooped up all winter long. AAA estimates that over 31 million people will be on the road this Memorial Day weekend. With this increase in traffic, the risk of car accidents increases dramatically. It is important to make safety a priority. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), over the past six years, Memorial Day weekend has averaged an 11.5 percent increase in traffic fatalities compared to non-holidays. An average of 161 people are killed each day during the three-day Memorial Day weekend, nearly half due to drunk driving.

There are steps you can take to protect yourself this Memorial Day, including:

• Avoid driving during peak danger periods between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., when there tend to be more drunk drivers on the road. In 2008, 60 percent of fatally injured drivers had a BAC above the legal limit during this time, as compared to 20 percent at non-peak times.
• Don’t use a cell phone or other distracting technology while behind the wheel.
• Make sure you and all your passengers are wearing seat belts or are in appropriate car seats.
• Keep all children under the age of 12 in the back seat.
• Don’t rush—allow yourself plenty of extra travel time to reduce the impulse to speed.
• Drive defensively.
• Exercise caution during inclement weather conditions.
• Only drive after a good night’s sleep—drowsy driving is a leading cause of car accidents.
• Use a designated driver if you will be drinking. Consuming even small amounts of alcohol impairs reaction time.

Stay safe and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Get Compensation for Victims of Drunk Driving Car Accidents

Memorial Day is a special opportunity to spend quality time with our friends and family. It is important that we all do our part to make sure that everyone stays safe. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, our team of Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP will work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and get you maximum compensation for your injuries. You may be entitled to damages for lost wages, medical bills, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. With offices located in Philadelphia, Reading, and Bethlehem, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or fill out our online contact form.