Memorial Day weekend is a time for backyard barbecues, spending time with loved ones, and often, embarking on a road trip. But with increased traffic comes a higher risk of being involved in Memorial Day car accidents. Don’t let your Memorial Day celebration be marred by a preventable car accident. Here at ER Injury Attorneys, our car accident lawyers want you to reach your destination safely. With that in mind, here are the five top ways to stay safe during your Memorial Day road trip.
1. Be Prepared Before You Depart
A stress-free journey starts with a well-maintained car and a car emergency kit. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule a routine checkup. Ensure your mechanic inspects vital components like:
- Oil levels and filters: Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and prevents overheating, a major cause of breakdowns.
- Tire pressure and tread depth: Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage and handling. Worn-out treads can lead to blowouts, especially in hot weather.
- Brakes: Faulty brakes are a safety hazard. Have your mechanic ensure they’re in top condition.
- Battery: Harsh desert weather can wreak havoc on car batteries. A pre-trip check can identify a weak battery before you get stranded somewhere.
2. Plan Your Route and Schedule
When it comes to road trips, planning is key:
- Research traffic patterns: Memorial Day weekend is notorious for heavy traffic. Utilize traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps to identify peak travel times and congested areas. Consider alternative routes or adjust your departure time to avoid the worst of the rush.
- Plan rest stops: Driving for extended periods can lead to fatigue driving, a major contributor to accidents. Schedule regular rest stops every two hours or 100 miles, whichever comes first. Get out of the car, stretch your legs, and grab some fresh air.
- Be realistic with travel time: Factor in potential delays due to traffic, construction, or bad weather when calculating your travel time. Rushing to reach your destination increases stress and the likelihood of making mistakes.
3. Prioritize Safety Over Speed
Speeding is a major factor in car accidents, especially during holidays with increased traffic.
- Adhere to speed limits: Posted speed limits are there for a reason. They take into account road conditions, traffic volume, and pedestrian safety. Don’t succumb to the pressure to keep up with aggressive drivers.
- Maintain a safe following distance: The recommended following distance is the “three-second rule.” This means you should be able to see the back bumper of the car in front of you pass a fixed point (like a telephone pole) three seconds before yours does. Increase this distance in poor weather conditions. This awareness can also help with avoiding lane departure collisions.
- Use cruise control (if available): Cruise control can help you maintain a consistent speed, especially on long stretches of highway. This reduces driver fatigue and the temptation to speed.
4. Buckle Up, Every Time
Seat belts are your single most effective defense against injury in a car accident. Ensure everyone buckles up. This includes yourself, all passengers, regardless of age or seating position. Make it a habit to check seat belts before you start the car.
5. Drive Distracted-Free
Distracted driving is a serious threat–especially with so much going on inside the car and on the road.
- Put down your phone: Texting, talking on the phone (even hands-free), or checking social media can wait. These activities divert your attention from the road, increasing your reaction time and risk of accidents.
- Limit in-car distractions: Loud music, arguing with passengers, or fiddling with the radio can all take your focus away from driving.
- Designate a co-pilot: If you’re traveling with a companion, have them handle navigation, music selection, or answering calls. This allows you to focus solely on driving.
Remember: Getting to your destination safely is more important than arriving a few minutes earlier.
Injured in a Memorial Day Road Trip Accident? ER Injury Attorneys Is Here for You
The team at ER Injury Attorneys hopes that you celebrate Memorial Day safely and have a wonderful time with family and friends in the process. But if you’ve been injured in a car accident while on a Memorial Day road trip, our team is ready to help you fight for the maximum compensation in your case.
ER Injury Attorneys is here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reach us by phone at 702-878-7878 or online through LiveChat. You can also fill out an encrypted contact form. Our attorneys represent accident victims throughout Southern Nevada, including Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and beyond. Contact us today to get the help you need.