Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest holidays for road travel. Families all over the country use the three-day weekend to get in one last trip before the responsibilities of the new academic year overwhelm them.
Young adults who do not have children also take advantage of the extra time off work, and many of them celebrate the close of summer by heading to the coast. Unfortunately, increased congestion tends to correspond with an increase in accidents.
Drunk driving crashes are especially common over Labor Day Weekend. According to TIME, more than 750 people died in collisions involving a drunk driver over Labor Day weekends from 2010 to 2014.
If you are seriously injured in a collision over the holiday weekend, you may be entitled to compensation for any damages you incur. Contact the Churdar Law Firm to find out if you have grounds for a claim.
Doug Churdar has dedicated his career to helping the injured regain their financial footing. Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation with a Greenville personal injury lawyer.
Read on to learn a few tips for reducing the risk of getting in a drunk driving collision over Labor Day weekend:
- Plan Your Trip Strategically
If you can avoid traveling during the busiest times of day, you will reduce the risk of getting into a collision in general. As for avoiding drunk drivers, you should plan your trip so you do not have to drive especially late at night or early in the morning.
According to Consumer Affairs, the roads are most dangerous around the time when bars typically close. Researchers have found that most fatal drunk driving accidents occur between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
- Recognize the Signs of Inebriated Driving
The most common signs of drunk driving include swerving, tailgating, making illegal turns, struggling to stay in one lane, accelerating or decelerating for no apparent reason, and stopping well before or after a stop line. Once you know the signs of drunk driving, you can keep an eye out for them, especially when you are driving late at night.
- Keep Your Distance and Call the Police
If you come across a vehicle that is driving erratically, maintain your distance. Unpredictable drivers are dangerous drivers, so slow down or change lanes in order to reduce the risk of a collision.
If possible, you can also pull over and call the police to report the vehicle. They will want to know the car’s license plate number, location, and direction of travel.
- Pick a Designated Driver
If you and your friends are planning on drinking, make sure you pick a designated driver well before the party starts. You can also arrange transportation with a taxi company or rideshare service.
Although the above tips can help you avoid accidents, the only foolproof way to prevent collisions is to stay off the roads entirely. If you are hurt in a crash with a drunk or reckless driver over Labor Day weekend, contact Churdar Law Firm.
Doug Churdar has been practicing law in the state of South Carolina for 25 years. Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation with a Greenville car accident attorney. If you would like to learn more about personal injury claims in South Carolina, visit usattorneys.com/car-accident/south-carolina.