Labor Day Safe Driving Tips
The Labor Day weekend is a great time of year, especially in Massachusetts. Although it signals the end of the summer for many, it is still warm and serves as a perfect opportunity to enjoy friends and family at barbeques and college football parties. Many families take this time to enjoy their last getaways before school starts and to get in one last beach day. It is also a time to be acutely aware of the dangers on the road that are all-too prevalent during this national holiday.
Specifically, traffic on the roads skyrockets during Labor Day weekend. Many people travel near and far to enjoy the last glimpses of summer. And, with the n
umber of motor vehicle collisions steadily on the rise across New England, it is particularly important to take extra precautions while driving during this long weekend.
While many of the following tips seem like common sense, it never hurts to be reminded of safe driving practices:
- Watch Out for Other Drivers, Bikers and Pedestrians: The best thing you can do in any driving situation is to be aware of your own driving AND the driving of those around you on the road. There is an astonishing increase in pedestrian-related motor vehicle accidents lately – mostly due to inattentive driving. Also, regardless of the time of day, but particularly in the evening, stay alert for intoxicated, distracted and otherwise impaired drivers. If you find yourself in the situation where you caused an accident or someone else caused an accident you were involved in, it is best to contact the police right away, and if necessary, seek the assistance of a reputable auto accident lawyer in Massachusetts.
- HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER, AND IF YOU ARE GOING TO DRIVE -STAY SOBER!!!: This seems like an absolute no-brainer, but it is flabbergasting how often this basic rule is ignored. It really is an easy rule to follow: DON’T DO IT!!! Even the slightest intoxication can lead to disastrous results: injuring or killing yourself or others; not to mention the legal ramifications of getting arrested for DUI. If you think you shouldn’t drive, you shouldn’t. Leave your car where it is, get a ride home from a friend, call a cab or request an Uber. If you or a family member gets arrested for DUI, it is critical to seek the assistance of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
- Avoid the Roads in the Evening and at Night: Evenings and late nights are when many parties wind down and when families head home from the beach. This means that there is an increased number of vehicles on the road and therefore a greater chance of some sort of accident occurring along your way. Not to mention that driving in the dark always makes conditions more dangerous. You also should not forget that there is a significant increase in law enforcement patrolling the roads during these times.
- Watch for Kids: While most college kids have headed back to school by Labor Day, there are many high schoolers out on the roads during this special weekend – and they may hit up a party or two. Talk to your kids about the importance of safe driving habits and that there will be cops everywhere – so they shouldn’t risk doing anything stupid! Also, the Sunday during Labor Day weekend is when the major college football season starts. Football season = beer, so be particularly aware of this, especially in college towns.
Hopefully these tips will help you have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend! Enjoy your friends and family!