Labor Day is just a few days away. Which means that there will be more people traveling on the road this weekend than normal. Believe it or not, Labor Day weekend is one of the most dangerous weekends to be on the road. Most people are either relaxing after the first week of school, or gearing up for the first week of school after the long holiday weekend. Below, our accident lawyer is will be going over some ways to be safe this Labor Day weekend. If you have been injured in an accident, contact a car accident attorney in our office. Consultations are free.
Accident Lawyer | Labor Day Fun
Labor Day weekend is usually the sign that summer is officially winding down and school will be back in session. This weekend will be full of backyard barbecues, picnics at the park, etc. to help you celebrate in style and make sure you are safe, below is a list our car accident attorney has put together.
Road Tripping
If you are planning a family road trip, this is usually the best (or worse) time for it. This being a notorious road trip weekend, it is also one of the busiest. If you are planning a weekend road trip, make sure you are getting plenty of rest, plan for frequent stops to stretch and use the restroom. You never want to be on the road when you are too tired. Because driving while tired can actually be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Remember to get your car checked to make sure it is ready to go. You don’t want to have to deal with an unexpected break down on the road. Pack a vehicle emergency kit that contains flashlights, jumper cables, tool kits, tire gauges, and flares.
Fireworks
Now, some people will be setting off fireworks this weekend. Mostly as they mark the end of summer and the beginning of the new school year. Though they are fun, make sure you and your family are being safe. It is reported that children between 10 and 14 have nearly three times the risk of suffering from injuries due to fireworks. Believe it or not, even sparklers can cause serious injuries. Make sure you and the little ones maintain the recommended distance away from the fireworks. Also, make sure an adult is handling the fireworks and sparklers.
Alcohol and Driving
Like we have written before, drinking and driving should never be an option. Even when you are on vacation. There are always options; whether it be a taxi, Über, Lyft, etc. So, there should never any excuse to drive drunk.
Alcohol and parties, especially this weekend and if you are on the lake, go hand-in-hand. Drinking impacts not only your judgment, but your ability to react and make coherent and smart decisions. Once you set an alcohol limit, try to stick to it; and drink a glass of water between every alcoholic beverage. If you drink more than you planned, ask for someone to either drive you home or find another mode of transportation where you are not behind the wheel. Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous. Not only for you, but for others on the road.
Simply Safety Precautions
I am also going on a road trip this holiday weekend. and here are some of the precautions I am taking in order to avoid an accident:
- make sure the car is ready for long distance travel and everything is in working order
- always wear a seatbelt
- this reduces the risk of injuries in an accident by 45%
- leave early to get a jump on the weekend and so you don’t feel rushed
- I am leaving on Friday morning to get to my parent’s house in the Bay Area
- map out your route if it’s unfamiliar
- know the exits by name so you can be prepared for anything
- do not move quickly in front of tractor trailers
- make sure you are giving big-rigs enough room to get by and make sure you are following a good distance behind them
- know your limits and do not drive exhausted or drowsy
- as stated above, make sure you are taking breaks every few hours or so; especially if you are traveling long distances
- be alert of other drivers on the road
- if there are others on the road who are driving erratically, make sure you are steering clear of them and alert the police of their location. See our article on reporting drunk drivers.
Minimizing Distractions
If you are heading out on a road trip, minimize as many distractions as possible. Especially if you have passengers in your vehicle. Not only can passengers be a little bit of a distraction, but they can also help minimize any distractions on the road. Passengers can help navigate and if you get a text or call, they can easily help take care of texts and calls for you. They can also help keep you awake or they can actually take over driving if they are of age.
Car Accident Attorney | Make the Most Of Your Vacation
As always, you want to make the most of your vacation time. Relax and make sure that everything is safe and that you and your family members are having a good time. If you are injured during your trip, or any other time, due to the negligence of another, please do not hesitate to contact us. We believe that you deserve the best representation and that is where we come in. Silverthorne Attorneys is here to make sure that you get the best possible outcome from your accident. Our goal is to get you the best settlement possible from your accident. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your case. Consultations with one of our accident attorneys is free!
