Labor Day is considered by local law enforcement agencies to be a holiday period that begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 2nd and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 5th. For residents, we see this long weekend as one last chance to get out and celebrate the summer for one last time before the start of the busy tourism season.
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that some 400 motorists are going to die because of car accidents in Lauderdale Lakes, Sunrise, Plantation, Coral Springs and elsewhere during the long holiday weekend. Another 39,000 people are expected to require medical treatment as a result of these accidents.
Our car accident attorneys in Lake Worth, Delray Beach and Royal Palm Beach understand that more than 31 million Americans are planning on traveling at least 50 miles away from their home over the long Labor Day weekend.
With the recent spike in airline ticket costs, vacationers are more likely to hit the road instead of flying to their vacation spot. With more travelers on our roadways, residents face a significant increase in the risks of being involved in a fatal car accident.
“Airline tickets going up and up and up. People are trying to save money on the bottom line even if it means a couple of vacation days sacrificed for driving,” said Avis Rental Car Agent Spencer Little .
The NSC reports that the average number of traffic accident-related deaths has consistently been 15 percent above the average for similar non-holiday weekends.
The NSC offers motorists these safety tips to help you avoid a serious traffic accident over the upcoming holiday weekend:
-Find a designated driver if you’re going out and you plan on drinking.
-Make sure that you and other passengers are buckled up whenever you hit the road.
-Leave with plenty of time to reach your destination. Spare time will eliminate the impulse to speed and will help you to avoid frustration at the wheel.
-Abide by traffic signals and road signs. Officers will be out in full force during the weekend in search of law-breaking motorists.
-Always drive defensively.
-Adjust to weather conditions.
-Curb the distractions. This includes cell phones, GPS systems, interaction with other passengers and text messaging devices. Driving while distracted greatly slows your reaction time and puts you at an increased risk for a serious accident.
-Rest up. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before heading out on your road trip. Fatigued drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a serious accident. Stop for a break after every three hours of driving time.
We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day and ask that everyone be cautious on our roadways to return home injury free.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident in Margate, Pompano Beach, West Palm Beach or the surrounding areas, contact the personal injury lawyers at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez. Call for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights at 1-800-529-2368.
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Two Vehicles Submerged in Recent Car Accidents in Palm Beach County, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, August 21, 2011