It’s Memorial Day! Ready for a Traffic Accident?

Memorial Day weekend can mean several different things. For some, it’s the start of the summer season. For others, it’s honoring those who fought bravely for our country. And for many others, it’s a three-day weekend filled with sales and car trips.

You know what will really ruin your weekend? Getting into a traffic accident.

According to AAA, 39.3 million people are expected to travel this weekend, a 2.7 percent increase over last year. It also represents the third consecutive year that U.S. travelers will travel 50 or more miles over Memorial Day weekend. And the majority of those travelers will be on the roads — about 34.6 million.

If you’re one of those road warriors this weekend, we want you to be safe on the roads. More drivers mean a greater risk of getting into a traffic accident. So keep these safety tips in mind before heading out this weekend:

• Wear your seatbelt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,941 people were saved by seatbelts in 2015. Yet, 27.5 million people still don’t buckle up. So if you are one of those who doesn’t click it, watch out, you may get a ticket. So use your seatbelt.
• Put down your phone! We all know how dangerous distracted driving is, yet continue to text while behind the wheel. But did you know that distracted driving claimed 3,477 lives in 2015 alone? Your cell phone can wait so put it down until you get to your destination.
• Slow down. What’s the hurry? Did you know that aggressive driving such as speeding or road rage is extremely dangerous? In fact, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving accounts for more than half of all traffic fatalities. So calm down, take your foot off the gas, and just breathe. You’ll get there!
• Don’t drink and drive. Well, this is an obvious one, right? Every day, 28 people in the U.S. died in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This means one death every 53 minutes. So if you’ve been drinking, take an Uber or taxi home.
• Wake up! Drowsy driving is a bigger problem than you may think. With sleepy drivers responsible for 72.000 traffic accidents in 2013, it’s pretty scary to think of all those tired drivers behind the wheel. So consider taking a nap before you go on the road.

And of course, if you do get into a traffic accident in New Jersey this weekend, we’re here to help you. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!