Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers: Memorial Day Weekend Travel

Though gas prices typically rise just before major holidays, this year consumers are benefiting from a downward price trend for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The combination of cheap gas, low unemployment and high consumer confidence is expected to put more people on the road this summer than ever.

Memorial Day is regarded as the kick off to the summer season and many people will be heading to recreational areas and family gatherings. It is important to be extremely careful driving as the Memorial Day weekend is notoriously linked to higher car accident rates. According to the National Coalition for Safer Roads, one of the reasons Memorial Day is so dangerous is the high number of drivers running red lights. Follow these tips to make sure your holiday will be a safe one.

Stay Awake

If you will be driving long distances, make sure you are well rested. Drowsy driving increases your risk of accidents. According to a AAA study, driving with only four to five hours of sleep is comparable to drunk driving. Plan for frequent rest stops to ensure you will remain alert.

Stay Alert

Put your phone down. In many states, including New Jersey, it is against the law to use your cell phone while driving. Any texts you may receive while driving can wait. If you must use your phone, pull over to a safe location. Distracted driving is a danger to yourself, your passengers and the other drivers around you.

Avoid the Rush

Leave ample time for travel and remember to account for congested traffic conditions. Running late just encourages speeding, aggressive driving and a host of other bad driving practices such as running red lights.

Go Slow in Work Zones

Exercise caution in construction zones. Many road improvements are undertaken in the warmer summer months. Workers are often in close proximity to traffic and speed limits are lowered accordingly. Fines for traffic violations in a work zone are double the normal amount.

Keep a Safe Distance

Leave enough space between your car and the car in front of you. You will need it to be able to maneuver in emergency situations.

Be Prepared

Stock an emergency kit, check your tires and test your battery before you leave. The AAA estimates that four out of ten American drivers are unprepared for emergency breakdown situations. If you do experience a breakdown, pull off the road as far away from traffic as possible.

Designate a Sober Driver

If you are attending a party Memorial Day weekend, have a great time, but designate a driver so that the person behind the wheel is sober. At the very least if you are caught drunk driving you can lose your license and pay a hefty fine. In  the worst case scenario, drunk driving can have lethal consequences.

Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Encourage Safe Driving This Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a fun filled weekend of celebration for most people, but unfortunately, there will also be accidents due to a negligent few. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, speak to one of the skilled Cherry Hill car accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law. Our team will fight to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries including your medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering. Call us today at 856-414-0010 to schedule a free consultation about your case, or contact us online.