Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, is only a few days away. Traveling during the Memorial Day weekend requires patience. Even so, it is crucial to remember to stay safe on the roads. With so many drivers in a rush simultaneously, there is an increased likelihood of accidents or vehicle-related incidents occurring. To stay safe on the roads as you and your family travel this Memorial Day weekend, here is what you need to know.
Preparation for the Memorial Day Weekend
During this extended holiday weekend, people are expected to drive both near and far to escape their daily routines and celebrate the summer season. To minimize stress, advanced preparation is useful. Keep in mind that this year, rising gas prices are a source of stress for many drivers. Also, you and your family will not be alone on the roads due to a forecasted increase in the number of drivers commuting by car. Therefore, it is essential to remain focused and patient in every stage of your trip.
Other tips for remaining prepared this weekend include:
- Time your travel right to avoid delays
- Plan where you park your vehicle in advance
- Rent a car instead of using your own, which can be less expensive
- Use a GPS navigation app, such as Google Maps, to avoid getting lost on the roads.
How to Stay Safe on the Roads
Staying safe on the roads is a top priority for all travelers, especially during a holiday weekend. There are multiple destinations where a driver or family may go, and of course, many destinations are both in and outside of North Carolina. If you are planning to travel this Memorial Day weekend by car, then there are several tips may be useful. Some tips that may be useful to stay safe this Memorial Day are:
- Avoid aggressive or reckless driving
- Avoid distracted driving
- Be patient and obey the posted speed limit
- Leave early to get a head-start on your drive
- Travel at non-peak hours when possible
- Travel at times when you are normally awake and take frequent breaks
- Use alternate routes, when possible, to avoid traffic congestion.
If you are planning to remain in North Carolina throughout the weekend, NCDOT has an extensive list of highways and interstates where construction projects are ongoing.
What to Do if You Encounter Traffic Problems
Many drivers travel by car during the Memorial Day holiday. In fact, it is one of the busiest and most dangerous weekends to travel on the road. The rate of persons driving while intoxicated also increases during this weekend, leading to car accidents that result in injuries, including fatalities.
If you are involved in a car accident or even a hit and run, it is urgent to contact emergency officers. The next step after ensuring your safety is to contact an attorney regardless of whose fault it was and if alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident. Attorneys at Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC have the experience and resources to provide comprehensive, aggressive representation. If you live in or around Cleveland County, NC, contact us today for additional information or an initial consultation.
