Safety Tips for Drivers This Memorial Day Weekend
As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season, many people take the opportunity to travel or to attend parties and events over the weekend. Memorial Day weekend typically ranks among the busiest weekends on the road, meaning much higher risks of accident and injuries.
Below are some safety tips drivers can follow to help protect themselves and their passengers while out and about this coming Memorial Day weekend.
Read more: How Do I Prove My Car Accident Injury?
Inspect Your Car Before a Road Trip
If you plan to take a road trip during the Memorial Day weekend, you can help protect yourself from the risk of an accident by inspecting your vehicle before setting off. This includes checking the condition of your tires, your oil, coolant, and wiper fluid levels, and the condition of your vehicle battery. Many mechanics offer comprehensive inspection services to identify potential safety issues with your vehicle.
You should also make sure that your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit, which should include warning triangles or flares, gloves, flashlight or lantern, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, cell phone charger packs, and extra water.
Avoid Texting While Driving
While many drivers may be tempted to use their cell phones while behind the wheel on Memorial Day weekend, either to look up directions to their destination or to communicate with hosts at their destination. However, distracted driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence, if not more so because your attention is taken off the road in the time that you look at your phone screen. If you need to use your cell phone behind the wheel, pull off the road where it is safe to do so, or let one of your passengers handle any navigation or texting/calling.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Speaking of driving under the influence, it also goes without saying that you should always avoid the temptation to drink and drive. If you choose to celebrate the holiday weekend at a party or even with alcoholic beverages, you should make plans to either stay where you are until you’ve had time to sober up (ideally, overnight so that you also are not tired or fatigued) or make alternative plans to get home, such as having a designated driver, calling a cab or rideshare vehicle, or hiring a livery vehicle.
Pull Over If You’ve Feeling Drowsy or Fatigued
Memorial Day weekend can be a very busy weekend, so it can be easy for you to get tired, fatigued, or drowsy as the weekend wears on. If you’re feeling fatigued while behind the wheel, pull over where safe to do so to give yourself a break or a rest to refresh yourself.
Plan Ahead Before Leaving for Your Trip
Finally, you can stay safe on the road by planning ahead before hitting the road. This includes leaving early to give yourself enough time to get to your destination, in case you hit heavy traffic. If you’re rushing to get somewhere, you’re far more likely to feel anxious or stressed, which may cause you to engage in unsafe driving behaviors like speeding, tailgating, or reckless driving.
Read more: Do I Have a Car Accident Claim?
Contact a Perth Amboy Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of motor vehicle accidents in Camden, Passaic, Union City, Bayonne, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy, Trenton.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
