Labor Day Weekend – Ways to Stay Safe on the Road

Labor Day Weekend has one of the highest rates of car accidents than any other weekend of the year.

Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7 this year. For all those who are overburdened by stress due to work, this holiday weekend provides an opportunity to get away and unwind with family and friends. Most of these get-togethers are parties or barbecues where beer and other alcoholic drinks are consumed in plenty. However, there are often car accidents involving drunk drivers which take place during this weekend and it is important that you are prepared and have taken the necessary steps to avoid a car accident. Police and other law enforcement agencies step up DUI checkpoints. Yet, you should also be careful to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.

A recent article in USA Today has indicated that the Labor Day weekend is the busiest weekend in the entire year and it also sees that largest number of car accidents as well as traffic fatalities on the road. The National Safety Council indicates that there are over 40,500 injuries all over the country which happen during the Labor Day weekend and of these almost 405 are fatal.

The outcome of many car accidents involving alcohol is often tragic. To safeguard your loved ones from getting into a car accident, there are certain guidelines which you can follow. The following tips offered may be able to ensure your safety as well as keep the roadways safe for others.

• Buckle up while on the road. Ensure that all the occupants are wearing their seat belts and infants are in their seats. The infant seats should be properly secured.
• Get rid of distractions while behind the wheel. Do not use a cell phone when you are driving. Attending phone calls or reading or sending text messages while driving is extremely dangerous. Avoid getting distracted by the scenery or any other objects inside or outside the car.
• Do not mess with the car’s GPS while driving. If you have to make certain adjustments, look for a safe spot and pull the car onto a side.
• Try to travel early and not to make haste for the lost time. You should always drive defensively; especially during inclement weather or in zones with ongoing construction.
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ask a friend, who is sober, to drive you home.