Every last Monday of May, Americans celebrate the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the military. That day is Memorial Day. The weather turns warm during that time, and most schools and universities adjourn for summer.
Millions of Americans plan fun-filled road trips with their loved ones during Memorial Day weekend. In 2024, 38.4 million people anticipated to travel over Memorial Day weekend by car.
A record high of people took to the highways, which means the chances of accidents would be higher. The NSC predicted that about 418 people would die on U.S. roads on Memorial Day holiday in 2024. This figure underscores the importance of prioritizing road safety when setting out on a getaway on Memorial Day weekend.
In this article, we’ll share a few tips that you must follow to stay safe on the road during Memorial Day weekend.
#1 Get Your Car Road Trip-Ready
Whether you’re heading to a sunny beach destination or a live food or music festival in Austin, get your car trip ready before you hit the road. All the parts of your car must function properly, and the only way to find out is to inspect them.
Check the tires first. Make sure they are properly inflated. Over-inflated tires can affect handling and comfort, whereas under-inflated tires can lead to poor fuel efficiency and increased wear.
Tread depth is also important. Look for signs of wear and damage. Replace your tires if you notice cuts, cracks, and tears in the sidewall, deformed parts, or unusual bulges.
Inspect fluid levels, including oil, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Top them off if necessary. Make sure the brakes are in good condition. Well-maintained brakes can help you stop quickly and avoid collisions. Charge your car’s battery or replace it if it is over four years old.
Test the lights, signals, and wipers to confirm they’re functioning correctly. It’s also wise to replace worn wiper blades and carry extra windshield washer fluid.
#2 Avoid Speeding
When driving on highways or empty roads, you might want to drive at excessive speed. But resist your urge to speed. That could be dangerous. In 2022, speeding accounted for 29% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. An average of more than 33 people—or 12,151—were killed on a typical day.
To avoid being another statistic, observe posted speed limits. Those limits are set based on careful consideration of accident data, traffic patterns, and road conditions. Driving within these limits will give you more reaction time, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
To illustrate, let’s take into account two traffic crashes that took place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Memorial Day weekend 2024. The crashes were so deadly that four people lost their lives.
One crash occurred at the intersection of Briargate Parkway and Chapel Hill Drive, whereas the other took place on I-25 near the MLK Bypass. The former crash involved two cars, and police believe speeding was a factor in the incident.
What would you do if you were a victim of such an accident while traveling during Memorial Day weekend? Proving liability in such traffic crashes is difficult, especially if you don’t have a dashcam or there aren’t surveillance cameras.
In such cases, police reports, as well as witness testimony, can help you recover compensation for the damages sustained. If you drive at posted speed limits and the accident occurs due to another driver’s speeding, you can prove their fault through police reports and witness statements.
All you will have to do is hire a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney and share police reports and witness contact information with them. Based on that information, they will build a solid case, proving the other driver’s fault. That will help you recover fair compensation.
Don’t just hire any personal injury attorney, however. Make sure to hire one who specializes in car accident cases. Springs Law Group advises people to hire an attorney who has a keen understanding of the medical aspects of their case as well as possesses years of legal experience. Such a lawyer can help you seek justice as well as the compensation you deserve.
#3 Don’t Drink and Drive
Driving under the influence of alcohol is not only illegal, but also extremely dangerous. Alcohol impairs your judgment, reaction times, and coordination. Even small amounts of it can significantly affect your ability to drive safely, increasing the risk of accidents.
Data from NHS shows that alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in 43% of traffic fatalities during the Memorial Day period of 2022.
Never drive if you’ve been drinking, or it will endanger your as well as your family’s lives. If you plan to drink, hire a driver so that you can reach home safely.
Winding it up, Memorial Day weekend offers the perfect opportunity for setting out on a relaxing getaway with your family or friends. While it’s a great time to enjoy with your loved ones, you must prioritize safety. These tips can help you stay safe, so follow them. You’ll have not only a safe, but also an enjoyable journey.
