On the first Monday of September, many Americans will travel long distances to spend time with their family and friends. This is the perfect way to make the most of some precious time off – but with so many extra cars on the road, there is a much higher risk of crashing.
In 2013, 32,719 people were killed in car accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 1,100 of those fatalities took place in Georgia, according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
The NHTSA reports that 94 percent of car crashes stem from driver error. The most common types of driver mistakes include:
- Recognition errors, including inattentive or distracted driving;
- Decision errors, such as driving too fast for conditions;
- And performance errors – for example, over-steering or poor control.
The good news? All of these mistakes – and for that matter, the vast majority of accidents – are entirely avoidable. If you are taking a Labor Day road trip, these four tips can reduce your risk of crashing:
- Plan your trip carefully before you depart;
- Visit your mechanic;
- Get plenty of sleep;
- And drive defensively.
If you are injured in a car accident on Labor Day weekend, contact the Crosson Law Group, LLC. Ken Crosson is a personal-injury lawyer in Marietta who will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Our office is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident attorney. You can also learn more about injury lawsuits by visiting USAttorneys.com.
Here are four tips that could save your life on your Labor Day road trip:
- Plan Your Trip Carefully before You Depart
Trips to visit family for friends over a holiday often take place once a year – which means you will be driving on unfamiliar roads and in unpredictable conditions. For this reason, it is crucial that you map out your route with as much detail as possible.
You should also consider the weather. Be sure to bring blankets and snacks in case the conditions sour and you have to pull over for a few hours.
- Get a Checkup
No, not at the doctor – take your car to your mechanic before you hit the road. Change the oil and check the brakes, wiper blades, fluids and filters.
- Get Enough Rest
It is never a good idea to get behind the wheel if you are tired. A little fatigue at the start of your trip can turn into a head-nodding, eyes-closing distraction after a few hours of driving.
Boosting your energy levels with caffeine won’t help for long. The safest solution is to get eight hours of quality sleep before you depart.
- Drive Defensively
This might sounds obvious, but remember: The vast majority of accidents are caused by drivers who make mistakes. Try to drive predictably. Obey traffic laws, and never speed. Avoid motorists who display reckless behavior.
If you are injured on your Labor Day road trip, turn to a Marietta personal-injury lawyer from The Crosson Law Group, LLC. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and noneconomic damages.
Ken Crosson is a car accident attorney who can evaluate your crash, gather evidence, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations. He has the litigation experience to represent your interests in court if your case goes to trial. Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a free initial consultation.