With the Labor Day holiday weekend approaching, families across the nation are gearing up for that much-needed vacation. Unfortunately, with the increase in traffic, officials are expecting a serious increase in the risks for accidents, injuries and fatalities.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, this is going to be one of the busiest years on our roadways, at least since the recession. According to recent studies, there are going to be more than 34 million people traveling 50 miles or more for their Labor Day holiday weekend. Close to 90 percent of these travelers will be getting to their holiday destination via motor vehicle.
Our Massachusetts car accident lawyers understand that alcohol-related auto accidents are going to be alarmingly common during this holiday weekend — as they are with most similar time periods. For this reason, the Peabody Police Department and more than 125 other law enforcement agencies across the state will be participating in a serious crackdown on intoxicated drivers through Labor Day.
According to the Boston Globe, it’s all a part of the federally funded “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” safety campaign. This enforcement campaign kicked off on the 16th and will be going strong through Monday, September 2nd. During this time, officers will be out in full force hunting down dangerous and irresponsible drivers.
“Twice as many alcohol-impaired crashes occur over the weekend and four times as many occur at night,” said Robert L. Champagne, Peabody Police Chief. “We will be especially vigilant during these high-risk times when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads.”
Monday, September 2, is scheduled to be the most popular date of return for holiday trips with close to 45 percent planning to head home that day. As if it wasn’t bad enough that weekends and evening hours were the deadliest times to be on our roadways, it’s a triple threat when you throw a holiday weekend into the mix.
According to the AAA Labor Day Travel Forecast, the top 3 activities for holiday travelers include dining, visiting with friends and family members and shopping. And the average person is going to be traveling 50 to 150 miles away from home to participate in these activities.
During this busy holiday travel season, we’re asking drivers to keep safety a number one priority. With that being said, we’re not only asking you to stay sober behind the wheel, we’re asking that you eliminate all distractions, pay 100 percent of your attention to your surroundings, allow plenty of time for travel to avoid rushed and aggressive driving, and to obey distracted driving laws.
Remember that, in the state of Massachusetts, you’re prohibited from talking on a handheld cell phone at the wheel (if you’re 18 or younger) and driving while texting — regardless of age.
And before you head out, check out our tips to help ensure safe traveling while “Preparing For Your Next Road Trip.”
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in Massachusetts, call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential appointment — (617) 777-7777.
More Blog Entries:
New Feature to Protect Consumers from Recalled Vehicles, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, August 20, 2013
Massachusetts Traffic Safety Watch: Autumn Risks Behind the Wheel, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, August 16, 2013