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Car Accident Risks Increase Over Memorial Day
May 23, 2012 - Car Accidents, Personal Injury by Cross & Smith
The Memorial Day holiday weekend is expected to be deadly. Safe driving advocates with the National Safety Council (NSC) are predicting that more than 400 people are going to die in car accidents in Tuscaloosa and elsewhere over the three-day holiday weekend.
Experts are also predicting another 42,000 auto accident-related injuries during the weekend. The Memorial Day holiday weekend is defined as the time from 6:00 p.m. on Friday the 25th through 11:59 p.m. on Monday the 28th. During this time, motorists are asked to be extremely cautious on our roadways as the significant increase in motor vehicle traffic is expected to result in an increase in the number of serious and fatal accidents.
Typically, the Memorial Day holiday weekend sees a 12 percent increase in the number of fatal car accidents compared to similar non-holiday weekends. During this time of the year, millions of Americans are expected to hit the road to kickoff the summer travel season.
Our Tuscaloosa accident attorneys understand that long weekends offer residents and visitors with just enough time to hit the road and to get out of town. Unfortunately, everyone else has the same idea, too. For that reason, ocal and state law enforcement agencies will be out in force.
Through June 3rd, officers will be pushing the nationwide campaign “Click It or Ticket” to help to keep motorists safe. During this time, officers will not only be on the lookout for motorists who aren’t wearing a seat belt, but they’ll also be on the hunt for those behind the wheel who are displaying dangerous driving habits. Law enforcement will enact a zero-tolerance enforcement of safety belt laws coast-to-coast, day and night.
To help to keep you safe over the busy travel weekend, the NSC offers these safe driving tips:
-If your weekend plans are to throw back a few cold ones, make sure you’ve got a sober driver to get you home safely. Never get behind the wheel after drinking.
-Make sure that everyone is buckled up during every car ride, regardless of how short it may be.
-Keep the distractions out of the driver’s seat. Distractions reduce your ability to react to road hazards and significantly increase you risks for an accident.
-Make sure that children are placed in the proper safety seat.
-Always adjust your habits behind the wheel to accommodate the current weather, road and traffic conditions.
-Get plenty of sleep before heading out. Never drive while drowsy.
-Make sure that all passengers under the age of 12 are kept properly buckled in the back seat.
-Make sure your trip is planned out before hitting the road and make sure that you allow yourself with plenty of time to get to your destination.
More Blog Entries:
Fault in Alabama Car Accident Cases: Zito v. Advanced Medical Services, Alabama Injury Attorneys Blog, May 20, 2012
Tuscaloosa Car Insurance Policies: A Look at Swartzbaugh v. Encompass Ins., Alabama Injury Attorneys Blog, May 10, 2012
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Posted By: Mark Sterling Gober