Labor Day Safety: Watch Out For That Grill!
Posted August 31st, 2018 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Personal Injury.
The end of summer has finally come. Kids are going back to school, pumpkin spice is wafting through the air, and the temperatures…well, it’s still hot outside. As Labor Day signals the end of a long, hot summer, it also brings car accidents, grill catastrophes, and drinking and driving.
Car Accident Fatalities: What You Should Know
Did you know that Labor Day is one of the deadliest holidays for car accidents? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Labor Day averaged 308 fatalities between 2011 and 2015. In fact, it may be more dangerous to drive during a summer holiday weekend than any other normal weekend.
With 35 million Americans expected to hit the road this weekend, the chances of an accident are incredibly high. Even a trip to the store may be a crazy drive!
If you are one of the road warriors this weekend, remember to drive safely, keep your eyes on the road, and stay sober. Don’t become a statistic!
Grill Fire Safety
Nothing says a summer holiday like a good barbeque. Though we’re expecting some rain this weekend, you still may be tempted to pull out the grill. But be careful not to start a fire!
In a recent National Fire Protection Association report, 9,600 home fires are started on average each year by a grill. In fact, 16,600 people go to the ER each year because of injuries involving grills, including 8,200 with thermal burns.
If you’re planning on lighting up the grill this weekend, remember to keep your grill clean, make sure everything is connected properly, don’t use in an enclosed space, and never leave your grill alone when it’s lit.
Drinking and Driving Don’t Mix
Each holiday, we caution people about drunk driving and this holiday is no exception. With a long weekend ahead for many of us, and with so many drivers on the road, there’s bound to be a few who have been drinking. According to the NHTSA, nearly half of all drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who died in automobile crashes over the Labor Day weekend last year were legally drunk. It can cost thousands in fines, increased insurance costs, and even a loss of license.
As part of its “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, law enforcement throughout the country, including New Jersey, will be stepping up its efforts to prevent drunk driving. In addition, law enforcement will be on the lookout for drugged driving, which is becoming more and more of an issue across the country. The NHTSA states that the number of drivers killed in crashes who had tested positive for marijuana has doubled from 2007 to 2015.
If you are planning on drinking this Labor Day weekend, remember to find a designated driver, call an Uber, or just stay home. It’s not worth it.
Injured? Contact The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone
The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone wishes everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend. If you are injured by someone else’s negligence or get into legal trouble, we’re here to lend a helping hand. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
