4 Memorial Day Weekend Driving Safety Tips

Posted in Car Accident on May 23, 2019

Experts predict that nearly 43 million Americans will travel to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend and the unofficial start of summer in 2019. A significant number of those people—nearly 38 million—will get to their destinations in cars, pickup trucks, minivans, and SUVs. That’s an increase of 3.5 percent compared to 2018, and it means highways and interstates in and around Nashville and other major cities throughout the country will be even busier than usual.

A study by the National Coalition for Safer Roads found that Memorial Day Weekend is the most dangerous holiday weekend for auto accidents. Whether you’re planning on taking a family vacation over the upcoming weekend, or you’ll just be out and about in the midst of the increased traffic volume and congestion, it’s important to remember that your risks may be increased during this hectic time. When there are more vehicles on the road, the risks of accidents can go up, making it essential to be as safety-minded as possible.

Stay Safe this Weekend with These Tips

To protect yourself, your loved ones, and other drivers during Memorial Day Weekend, keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Inspect your vehicle—Safe driving isn’t always about your behavior behind the wheel—it’s also about having a safe and reliable vehicle. You don’t need a brand-new vehicle packed with bells and whistles to avoid trouble on Tennessee’s highways and interstates, but you do need one that’s well maintained and free from major defects. Before leaving home, check your battery, your lights, and your turn signals. In addition, inspect your tires for wear and tear, proper inflation, and signs of damage. Hot weather can increase the risk of blowouts, especially when tires are underinflated, overinflated, or significantly worn.
2. Plan your route—Increased traffic volumes mean an increased risk of delays, including traffic jams and road closures. Avoiding heavy traffic can help you get to your destination earlier and reduce your risk of being involved in a crash. Plotting your route before you leave can help you locate and avoid potential trouble areas, including construction zones and other areas that are prone to slowdowns. In addition, mapping your destination via your smartphone’s GPS can provide live traffic updates, which can be vital information when you’re traveling a long distance.
3. Avoid distractions—Family vacations can be hectic and stressful, especially when you’re traveling to your destination. If you’re planning on being behind the wheel for your family’s vacation, it’s important to remain focused on the task at hand: driving. Appointing a passenger to answer phone calls, watch your GPS, and send text messages can help you keep your undivided attention on the road. In addition, providing headphones to your children to use with their electronic devices can help reduce unwanted and potentially distracting noises while you’re driving. Finally, keep your eyes on the road ahead and avoid rubbernecking if you see emergency vehicles or crash scenes.
4. Don’t speed—Speeding is a significant contributing factor for all types of crashes, including those that occur on or around holidays. When planning your trip, give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. If you don’t feel like you’re running late, you’ll be less likely to speed, reducing everyone’s risks in your vehicle and on the road near you. In addition, always watch for speed limit signs, even on the interstate. Speed limits can change from 70 mph to 55 mph and lower, especially if you pass through a work zone, and exceeding those limits can result in a citation and an increased risk of an accident.

Other important tips to keep in mind are taking regular breaks to stretch your legs, eat, hydrate, and to pull over or switch drivers if you feel sleepy or fatigued.

Hurt by a Negligent Driver? We’re Here to Help.

At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident lawyers know that accidents can occur at any time of day, month, and year, but we also know that holiday weekends can be particularly dangerous due to increased traffic volumes and a greater potential for negligent driving.

If you or someone you love was injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault, whether it was during your morning commute or on your way to a family vacation, you can count on our legal team to give you the representation you need. We believe that victims like you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for medical bills when someone else’s negligence caused your crash, and that’s why we strive to get our clients maximum compensation for their accident-related expenses.

Let us put our experience to work for you and your family. When you call us, you won’t have to worry about any consultation costs or upfront attorney’s fees. In fact, you won’t owe us anything unless we get money for you. Call us today at (615) 200-1111 or submit an online contact form to get in touch with our legal team.