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Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September to recognize the contributions of the U.S. workforce. Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times on the roads and highways across the nation.
With thousands of vehicles on the road, many major transportation routes become congested, which increases the chances of car accidents. The National Safety Council (NSC) marks Labor Day weekend as one of the most dangerous times to travel. The National Safety Council estimates that more than 400 people could die on U.S. roads during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The 2021 holiday fatality estimate was 19 percent higher than the 2020 Labor Day estimate of 390 fatalities.
Careful planning and preparation are vital to ensuring the safety of everyone on Labor Day weekend. The good news is that drivers can take precautions to decrease their chances of getting into an auto accident. Read on to find out some essential safety tips you can follow on Labor Day weekend to ensure that you have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.
Most car accidents can be avoided if drunk drivers simply do not drive. If you plan to drink during the weekend, travel with a designated driver or find another option like a taxi or rideshare service.
Too often, people cram lots of activities into the holiday weekend. Tired drivers are more prone to accidents. Basic errors, such as forgetting to put on their turn signal or running a red light, can result in a life-altering car crash. Fatigued drivers should stop at a safe place, like a well-lit parking lot, and rest.
We all hope for sunny and comfortable days, but severe weather can happen seemingly out of the blue. Heavy rainstorms and thunderstorms can result in poor visibility on highways and slippery road surfaces. Drivers should stay tuned to changing conditions by looking at a weather forecast before hitting the road.
Driving faster than the speed limit puts everyone at risk. Drivers should exercise safety and patience, especially if they know they will travel on busy roads and highways. Traffic is aggravating, but you will need to be more patient when it is a holiday weekend.
One of the main causes of accidents are drivers who do not concentrate while driving. If you are tired, have a drink. If you feel sick, let someone else drive or postpone driving for when you feel well. On Labor Day, many spend the day drinking and having fun; chances are they are too tired or too drunk to drive home.
Many motorists do not realize they can alert the authorities if they see dangerous drivers. If you know another driver swerving, speeding, or acting aggressively, call 911. The dispatcher will need some information about the driver, such as a license plate number, vehicle color, model, or make, as well as the road and direction of travel.
Going home at a reasonable time is particularly important for newer drivers who may have little night-driving experience; people with poor eyesight or astigmatism; and people who had early starts to their day and need to rest. You should always try to get home before it gets too late in the night, which can prevent an accident. Some of the riskiest times for drivers are weekends and holiday evenings, so limit nighttime driving.
A routine engine, radiator, and fluids check will ensure your car does not break down while you are on the road. Tires should be well inflated, and drivers should replenish wiper fluid. Also, check that the steering wheel and brakes work correctly. A car emergency kit should include jumper wires, a tire gauge, a flashlight, a tool kit with wrenches and screwdrivers, duct tape, rags, and an emergency stop sign. You should also have a first-aid kit, a bottle of water, a blanket, and some energy bars in case your car breaks down and you and your family are stranded.
In good weather conditions, you should follow the car ahead at a three-second following distance. You should double that distance if traveling in wet weather or when visibility is poor.
Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when you are traveling during Labor Day weekend.
Motorists should always exercise caution, especially over the Labor Day weekend. If you get into a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact a lawyer for legal advice. A lawyer will explain your legal options while protecting your rights.
Driving with a careful plan will decrease your chances of getting into a car accident during Labor Day weekend. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a car accident caused by hazardous driving, contact a Delaware car accident lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Delaware car accident lawyer. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form. We represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County from our offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware.