Memorial Day Weekend Car Accidents: What You Should Know

Memorial Day weekend is considered by many to be the official start of summer. Many people celebrate the long weekend right here, in the New Orleans Metro area. Some people host relatives come from out of town. However, many people choose to hit the open road. Either way, this means more cars on the roads, and with more congestion on the roads comes an increased risk for car accidents. In fact, according to a study conducted by finder.com, Memorial Day weekend is the third deadliest holiday weekend, averaging about 309 deaths per year. Fourth of July and Thanksgiving are the only two holidays that average more.

A number of factors influence the amount of auto accidents that occur during Memorial Day weekend. The National Coalition for Safer Roads complied data showing Memorial Day weekend tops the list of weekends with the most red-lights run. This is most likely due to a combination of drivers being excited about the long weekend and being frustrated with traffic congestion. Thus, drivers tend to be more aggressive. Alcohol can also play a huge role in auto accidents occurring during the holiday weekend. Roughly 34% of all road fatalities over Memorial Day weekend involve a drunk driver. This is slightly higher than the national average of 28%, according to latest CDC data. With an increasing number of people (impaired or not) hitting the road, road safety should always be a top priority.

Memorial Day Weekend Road Safety Tips:

Take your time – Don’t rush to your destination. Heavier congestion and higher speeds increase the likelihood of an auto accident.

Don’t drink and drive – If you plan on going out on the town one night, be sure to designate a sober driver, call a cab or utilize a rideshare app. 

Practice defensive driving – Just because you’re driving safely, doesn’t mean that others are.

Take breaks – If you plan on taking an extra-long trip, be mindful of your alertness. Starting to feel drowsy? Pull over, walk around, take a breather.

Don’t drive distracted – That text or phone call can wait. 

If, in the unfortunate event you are in a car accident, contact McGinity Law Firm. Douglas McGinity has been representing victims of car accidents for over 15 years. He is committed to making sure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and will fight on behalf of your legal rights.

From everyone at McGinity Law Firm, have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!