Stay Safe On The Road This Memorial Day Weekend

May 18, 2020

Memorial Day is a time to honor military personnel who gave their lives to protect our country, but Memorial Day Weekend is also a time to celebrate summer with friends and family.

While this year’s holiday period may look different due to COVID-19, those who plan on celebrating may congregate from a safe distance. There will be far fewer people traveling this year in comparison to previous years.

As the statewide stay-at-home order for Pennsylvania begins to ease, it’s likely that many people will go out to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. If you plan on traveling or celebrating with friends and family, it’s critical that you know what to expect and how to stay safe.

Driving risks during Memorial Day Weekend

Like most holidays, alcohol consumption increases during Memorial Day Weekend. That means more drunk drivers on the road.

According to insurance marketplace website ValuePenguin, Memorial Day Weekend is usually the deadliest holiday weekend for driving, with an average of 312 traffic fatalities each year. About 40 percent of those involve drunk drivers.

In addition to drunk driving, there is currently an increased risk of encountering speeders and reckless drivers. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, speed-related crashes are on the rise due to fewer cars on the road amid COVID-19.

Police across the United States have caught drivers speeding at 100 mph or greater. Many drivers believe that law enforcement officers are too busy with other issues and are not out enforcing the traffic laws. Some see the lack of traffic congestion as a prime opportunity to speed.

How can I stay safe this Memorial Day Weekend?

Here are some tips staying safe this Memorial Day Weekend:

• Leave your keys at home if you plan on drinking
• Don’t let friends or family drive drunk
• If you notice someone driving erratically, maintain a safe distance
• Beware of speeders, drunk drivers, and reckless drivers when walking

Those who plan on drinking this Memorial Day Weekend have alternatives to driving:

• Call a taxi or Uber
• Celebrate within walking distance from home
• Stay home
• Stay at the home of a friend or family member

What should I do if I’m involved in a crash?

If you or a loved one is involved in a crash this Memorial Day Weekend, get medical attention as soon as possible. Then, consult with an experienced car accident attorney who can investigate your crash and help you pursue legal damages.

The attorneys at Villari, Brandes & Giannone hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend. We urge everyone to be responsible and vigilant. If you’re in need of legal help with your car accident claim, contact us online or call us at 610-609-8477. We offer free case consultations to clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.