Labor Day weekend is traditionally the end of the summer season. Families and individuals should take advantage of one last weekend of summer fun, but it is important that they do so safely. Here are some tips for a safe Labor Day weekend:
1. Wear a seat belt and make sure all passengers do as well, including children.
2. Slow down and obey the speed limit. The higher the speed of the vehicle, the less time the driver has to stop and avoid a crash. Excessive speed also contributes to severity of impact when a collision does occur.
3. Don't drive after using alcohol or drugs. According to the National Safety Council, someone dies in an alcohol-related crash every 30 minutes.
4. Don't follow a vehicle too closely. Keep a safe following distance to allow yourself room to maneuver or brake to avoid a car accident.
5. When stopped at a traffic light, take one more look before proceeding when the light turns green. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light running is on the rise nationwide. Many drivers consider a yellow light as a last chance to get through an intersection rather than a caution signal.
6. Anticipate. Look far down the road. Learn to spot problems and avoid them before they happen.
7. Stay alert and focused. Statistics indicate that drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 automobile accidents each year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,500 deaths.
Car accidents are life-changing events that often have long-term or permanent consequences. Sadly, they don't always happen to the other guy--it could happen to you.
Don't ruin this Labor Day holiday (and future ones to come) by a fatality, an automobile accident, or an impaired driving arrest. Adjust your driving to stress safety.
If you have been injured because someone else didn't follow these tips, contact me to discuss your rights and responsibilities by clicking here. I will respond to your email within 4 hours of receipt of it.
