How To Help Prevent a Car Accident and Stay Safe this Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day is a time to celebrate and gather with loved ones but is the most dangerous holiday to travel with 20% more fatal car accidents than the average holiday. This year, millions will hit the road this weekend to visit family and friends as travel is predicted to return to pre-pandemic levels.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that 39.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles this weekend. With most travelling by car, there is a higher risk for car accidents. It is important to be cautious travelling this weekend with significantly more drivers on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Memorial Day is the most dangerous holiday to drive. Fatal car accidents are 4x more likely to occur on Memorial Day weekend than any other holiday four-day period. Of these fatal crashes, 37% of them involve a drunk driver.
During holiday weekends, congested roadways and drunk driving are typical causes of fatal crashes. However, the summer heat and longer commutes due to traffic can also lead to frustration and fatigue among drivers. Drive slowly and be especially cautious of other drivers this weekend.
While we cannot prevent others from making reckless decisions behind the wheel, we can take precautions to try to protect ourselves and our loved ones from others’ negligent behavior. Here are some tips and facts to be aware of as we go into this weekend.
Safety Tips to prevent a Car Accident
- Don’t drink and drive. If you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver.
- Organize safe, reliable forms of transportation in advance.
- Avoid distracted driving by putting your cellphone away.
- Give yourself plenty of time to travel and expect delays.
- Buckle up. Seat belts are the most effective way to protect yourself in an accident.
- Take regular breaks especially if you’re fatigued.
- Obey traffic laws and be cautious in work zones.
- Make sure your vehicle is prepared for a road trip. Use this checklist from AAA.
- Equip your vehicle with emergency supplies. Click here for a list of items.
Drunk Driving Facts
- 30% of all car accidents in the United States involve drunk drivers. (NHTSA)
- In 2020, South Carolina had the 10th highest number of drunk driving deaths. (MADD)
- Just one drink can cause a decline in fine motor skills, sight, and judgement. (NSC)
- It is illegal to drive with a BAC at or above 0.08%. (CDC)
Car Accident Attorneys
The car accident attorneys at Rikard & Protopapas have vast experience investigating, building, and litigating cases involving catastrophic automobile, tractor trailer, and motorcycle accidents. An automobile accident is one of the most terrifying things that most people will ever experience in their life. Dangerous and negligent drivers account for a significant percentage of these accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident involving severe injuries or death, an experienced attorney should be consulted immediately. Our team understands the process, the litigation, and the seriousness of these cases. Let us protect you and your family.
Please contact the team at Rikard & Protopapas immediately if you think you have a car accident case at 803-978-6111 or click here to schedule a free consultation.*