If you are hitting the open road this Labor Day weekend, then safety should be your number-one priority. Las Vegas streets are heavy with holiday traffic, and there is a marked increase in accidents.
In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, Labor Day is the second most dangerous holiday to drive. In 2012, only Thanksgiving had more road fatalities than Labor Day.
If you were the victim of a crash, the Truman Law Firm P.C. may be able to help. A Las Vegas personal-injury lawyer from our firm can investigate the circumstances of your accident and determine if you may have claims for medical expenses or lost wages. Call us today at 702-821-1821 to schedule an appointment, and read on to learn how to stay safe on the roads during the holiday weekend:
Don’t Drink and Drive
Many people celebrate Labor Day with a few drinks. If you intend on doing the same, make sure you stay away from the driver’s seat.
In addition to the obvious dangers of driving drunk, police are more likely to check you for alcohol on Labor Day than they are on most other days of the year. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department details previous Labor Day initiatives, and it is highly likely that police will ramp up DUI checkpoints throughout the city.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
If you are planning on traveling long distances, make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the day of departure. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, fatigued driving is a common cause of accidents.
A good night’s sleep and a healthy diet will help you stay alert while on the road. Avoid new medications or those that make you feel drowsy.
If you do feel tired, pull over and take a rest or change drivers. Plan your trip with other drivers whom you can switch off with if you start to feel sleepy.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is another common cause of serious accidents, particularly on longer journeys. Avoid the temptation to check your cell phone while you are driving.
If possible, place your phone in a holder so that it is visible without moving your head. If you need to make a call or send a message, pull over somewhere safe first.
If you are listening to music during your trip, plan a playlist ahead of time. Even a quick glance at your car stereo can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Finally, if you are unfamiliar with your final destination, do not look at maps or try to set your GPS while you are driving. If possible, have a passenger guide you to your Labor Day destination. If you are driving alone, set up an automated GPS route before you depart.
No one wants to spend Labor Day weekend in the hospital, but if you were in a car accident, Truman Law Firm, P.C. may be able to alleviate some of the financial burden. Call us today at 702-821-1821, and a Las Vegas accident attorney from our firm can meet with you to discuss your potential case.
