Memorial Day Driving Safety Tips

This Memorial Day, many Americans will take time to remember those who have served our country by making the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. The Memorial Day weekend has also become the unofficial start of the summer season – with many people planning trips to the beach, family barbeques, and parades.

With so many people planning to travel, traffic on American roadways will be heavy, which increases the risk for serious and sometimes fatal car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Memorial Day weekend is one of the deadliest in our nation. The National Safety Council estimates that close to 500 people will lose their lives and an estimated 47,000 more will be injured in car accidents over this year’s Memorial Day weekend.

Common Causes of Car Accidents Over Memorial Day Weekend

While the focus of Memorial Day is somber, many people will be celebrating the long weekend and warmer weather. These celebrations will lead to many car accidents and countless serious injuries. The main causes of Memorial Day weekend car accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Speeding
• Drowsy driving
• Inexperienced drivers
• Inclement weather
• Failure to wear seatbelts

Car accidents caused by those who choose to drive recklessly can injure even the most cautious drivers.  People who get behind the wheel after drinking alcoholic beverages or taking recreational drugs, suffer from lack of sleep, or text while driving will cause hundreds of others to lose their lives or suffer serious injury.

Tips for Staying Safe on the Road this Memorial Day Weekend

The National Safety Council publishes a list of safe driving tips each year to help reduce the risks of serious and fatal car accidents. Their recommendations include:

• Put your cell phone down and avoid texting while driving.
• Designate a sober driver that will be responsible to drive everyone home after the party.
• Avoid driving late at night to reduce the risk of colliding with an impaired driver.
• Get plenty of rest before celebrating and leave the party before becoming drowsy.
• Avoid traveling during inclement weather, especially heavy rain and high winds.
• Always wear your seatbelt and insist on all passengers doing the same.
• Drive defensively and be careful when approaching stop signs and traffic signals.
• Make sure your gas tank is full and your car is operating properly.
• Inflate all tires before your travel.
• Keep your windshield and headlights clean to increase visibility.
• Never leave children or pets inside the car unattended as temperatures can reach dangerous levels in just a short period.
• Beware of pedestrians and bicyclists on the road and leave plenty of room between them and your vehicle.

With a little preparation and careful planning, Americans can enjoy this Memorial Day weekend and arrive home safely.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Help Victims of Car Accidents Recover Compensation for Their Injuries

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a car accident, call the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP at 800-222-USWA(8792) or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. Our Philadelphia offices serve clients in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, Pennsylvania and throughout New Jersey.