Labor Day Safe Driver Habits Everyone Should Have To Help Avoid a Car Accident

INRIX, a leading traffic solutions company, recently released statistics detailing what the busiest times to travel by car will be this Labor Day weekend. Thursday, August 31st, between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., should experience heavy traffic. Friday, September 1st, will also bring more traffic between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Your driving habits will be essential to staying safe. Increased risk means taking above-average precautions. Labor Day is a holiday to enjoy with the people you love and not sit on the roadside stressing over a car accident.

Follow these safe driving tips, and you’ll be on the road to a long, enjoyable weekend!

Labor Day Is a Time to Practice Excellent Driver Habits

The Vacationer published a recent survey stating that 60% of Americans intend to travel this holiday weekend, which equals about 148 million people.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released data from 2011 to 2020, which shows that Labor Day weekend is the second deadliest American holiday for fatal car crashes. Thanksgiving is the most lethal. Specifically, 4,000 people died during the Friday, 6:00 p.m. to Tuesday, 5:59 a.m.

One way to avoid accidents is to avoid driving during peak Labor Day weekend hours. This means that if you can go in the early morning hours or late at night, you should. Specifically, you should travel before 7:00 a.m. Wednesday through Friday, and on the weekend, consider driving after 6:00 p.m.

However, experts also say Sunday, September 3rd is the best day to drive.

Tips for Safe Driving

Whether you drive during peak hours or if you can avoid traffic, there are best practices to drive safely. First, buckle your seat belt, not just yours, but make sure everyone in your vehicle has their seat belt buckled as well.  If you experience a motor vehicle collision, this will protect the lives of those in the car.

For families driving with children ages 12 and under, ensure they are seated in an appropriate car seat or booster. Further, ensure that the car seat or booster is installed correctly, per the instructions from the manufacturer.

Be a Defensive Driver

Next, never drive when impaired, and always drive your vehicle attentively. Remember that aggressive drivers will take unnecessary risks, and this causes accidents. Therefore, think defensively when you are the driver.

You are not the only one who uses the road, so think of others. This includes motorcyclists, commercial trucks, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Have Your Vehicle Checked

A significant frustration of summer drivers is care overheating. This can happen if the electric fan stops working, the vehicle is low on engine coolant, or you have a clogged fan.

A lousy radiator or broken fan belt is also troublesome. It is vital to have a mechanic look into these items for you.

Safe Driving Tips For Fall

It would help if you practiced safe driver tips all year long. While traffic may be up during Labor Day weekend, motor vehicle crashes are always possible, often when you least expect it.

The fall is a time when children go back to school. This creates traffic during times of pick up and drop off. Additionally, there can be new student drivers heading to class.

Exercise extreme caution where there is a school zone. Look around for children walking.

Be Careful Driving in the Dark

Another safe driving tip is remembering fall is when daylight savings time ends. While the National Safety Council cites that only 25% of driving is at night, half of traffic deaths tragically happen during dark hours. Remember that driving at night is more dangerous so use extreme caution.

November is a time when deer are likely to mate. Therefore, you see them more often while driving, which increases your chances of hitting one. Fall is a time to be cautious of critters running around.  Always be attentive to your surroundings..

What to Do After a Collision

First, you must stop. Never drive away from the scene of a car crash, even when the damage appears to be minor. 

Next, call the police, even if you do not feel seriously injured immediately after the collision.  Often one’s body is in shock and the full extent of the injuries sustained do not show themselves right away.  It is a good idea to get a police report. This will be vital to prove your claim to the insurance company. 

If police are not arriving, you must get the other party’s information, including name, address, and telephone number. Ask to take a picture of their driver’s license and insurance card. Gather contact information for any eyewitnesses, too. 

Further, take pictures of the damage to the respective vehicles involved.  Also take pictures and and video of the scene of the auto collision. Even if an area does not appear like evidence, you should still capture it and ask a personal injury lawyer. You want the advice of a professional before dismissing any proof.

Notify Your Insurance 

It is essential to report that collision as soon as you can. Insurance policies often insist you tell them of crashes immediately and cooperate fully. If you are injured, ask about medical benefits.

Contact Your Personal Injury Lawyer

You must call an attorney to protect your rights following a car accident. A superb lawyer will preserve evidence and provide valuable legal advice. Plus, they will deal with the insurance companies to ensure you get maximum compensation.

Car Accident Lawyer Near Me

Even the best driver habits may not be able to prevent a collision. You first need a brilliant lawyer to protect your rights in a car accident. At Stillman & Stillman P.C., we fight for you!

With almost 40 years of experience, we are the Bronx personal injury lawyers to help you receive compensation for another party’s negligence. We know you desire safe driving habits, but others may not be as careful as you. When you need it, we will hold the negligent party accountable.

We are on your side. Contact Stillman & Stillman P.C. today for a FREE Consultation.