Driving Precautions for Labor Day in Savannah
As Labor Day weekend nears, you might feel excited about your vacation plans. However, given the increased risks of road accidents during this time, there are some crucial driving precautions you need to consider. To understand what precautions need to be taken, it’s helpful to understand why more accidents occur during this time. Should you become involved in an unfortunate accident, don’t delay reaching out to a proficient Savannah personal injury lawyer. They’ll lead you through legal proceedings while upholding your rights.
Why Are There More Accidents Over Labor Day Weekend?
There are a few reasons why more car accidents tend to occur over the Labor Day weekend. Here are some of the common ones:
Increased Traffic
As a long holiday weekend, many people take advantage of this time for road trips or visit friends and family resulting in higher traffic volumes on roads and highways. An increase in vehicles means a greater probability of accidents.
Alcohol Consumption
Holidays often involve celebrations that include drinking alcohol, and Labor Day is certainly no exception. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to impaired driving—which is a major contributor to car accidents.
Fatigue
Even if people aren’t drinking and driving, many people may be traveling long distances or staying up later than usual during the holiday weekend. This can result in drowsy driving, which is sometimes said to be almost as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Distracted Driving
Distractions also play a significant role in accidents during Labor Day weekend. The excitement from festivities coupled with fatigue from long drives could divert drivers’ attention away from focusing entirely on road conditions or other vehicles around them – leading to higher accident risks.
Driving Tips To Stay Safe
In addition to the obvious – don’t drink and drive and don’t drive if you’re too tired – here are some other tips you should consider for driving over Labor Day Weekend:
Be Patient
It’s essential that you expect delays and plan for them accordingly. Be prepared to allot extra time for travel because congested roads and unexpected situations might slow down your journey.
Remember, patience is a virtue when it comes to safe driving, as rushing often leads to errors in judgment, which can potentially cause accidents.
Plan Ahead
Make sure you are familiar with alternate routes as well so if traffic becomes unbearable on your original path, you have the flexibility of switching paths without significant distress or confusion.
Inspect Your Car Prior to Long Road Trips
Before you set off on your Labor Day weekend travels, take some time to check your car’s essential systems. Inspect things like tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, and lights to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. With these simple checks, you’ll be prepared for a safe trip.
Drive Defensively and Pay Attention to the Road
With crowded streets and highways during the holiday weekend, driving defensively is crucial for your safety. This means being aware of other drivers’ actions and anticipating potential problems.
Remember to maintain a safe following distance, signal your intentions in advance, and always be prepared to react to unexpected situations. Avoid distractions like texting or fiddling with electronic devices and keep your full focus on the road.
While Labor Day brings an extended weekend for relaxation and fun, it also invites additional risks on the road. By knowing what to expect and taking the appropriate precautions, you enhance your safety while traveling during this holiday period. Contact our law firm today if you’ve been involved in a car accident in Savannah to pursue the compensation you deserve.