6 Tips to Avoid a Car Accident This Labor Day Weekend

As summer comes to an end, Labor Day weekend is often the last opportunity to celebrate with friends before college courses begin or take a family road trip. However, the three-day weekend is also one of the deadly times of year to be on the road.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 45 percent of all fatal car accidents on Labor Day Weekend are caused by intoxicated drivers. Additionally, since more travelers will be occupying the roads, the likeliness of being involved in a collision dramatically increases.

If you plan on getting behind the wheel this Labor Day weekend, follow these five safety tips to avoid suffering an injury in a car accident:

• Don’t drive drunk – Many people celebrate the holiday by going out on the town and having some drinks with friends. If this is part of your weekend plans, avoid getting behind the wheel. Police increase the amount of officers patrolling the streets and DUI checkpoints to arrest suspected drunk drivers.
• Put your phone down – You are 4 times more likely to have a road accident when you’re on a mobile phone. It’s very hard to concentrate on 2 things at the same time. One distraction can steal your reaction!
• Get a good night’s sleep – If you are plan on embarking on a road trip, make sure you get plenty of rest the day before the long drive to stay alert while on the road. The NHTSA says that drowsy driving is a common cause of car crashes.
• Make sure your car is in great shape – To avoid experiencing a problem with your vehicle in route to your destination, take your car in for maintenance and schedule an oil change. Not only can a car malfunction delay your vacation time, but also result in an expensive repair that could’ve been prevented by an inspection from a car mechanic.
• Plan your route – When we are unfamiliar with our surroundings, we tend to drive slower and become more vulnerable to a collision. To avoid this type of stress, research the route of your destination prior to departing.
• Keep your attention on the road – Since distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents, do not get distracted by your smartphone, loud music, and even arguing children in the backseat. Maintain focus on the primary task of driving.

Our Springfield personal injury attorneys at Strong Law, P.C. would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe Labor Day weekend! In the event of a car accident that results in injury, we can investigate your case, collect and analyze evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you maximize your settlement. With more than four decades of legal experience and over $7 billion recovered on behalf of our clients, our skilled legal team understands what it takes to get the best results.