Practice Safe Driving this Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is unofficially the last weekend of summer for most. During this long weekend, millions of Americans hit the road to visit friends and family and to partake in recreational activities and picnics. With more people on the road, safety becomes even more important to drivers. For the past six years, the Labor Day weekend has averaged 14.6 percent more traffic deaths than similar non-holiday periods. Additionally, the National Safety Council estimates that 38,800 people will suffer from vehicle accident related injuries.

Also during this time, local law enforcement officials will focus their attention on impaired drivers. If attending any functions where you consume alcohol, consider these suggestions prior to driving:

• If you are drinking, do not drive
• If you do plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver or arrange for alternative transportation to take you where you need to go
• You best defense against a drunk driver is wearing a seatbelt.
• Additionally, there are multiple other dangers to drivers besides impaired driving. These additional safety tips will help you have a safer trip:
• Make sure all passengers in your car are using a seatbelt.
• Allow plenty of travel time to avoid frustration and to lessen the impulse to speed.
• Do not text and drive
• Do not use a handheld cell phone while driving
• Drive defensively and use caution, especially in bad weather.

The attorneys and staff at the Manchin Injury Law Group wishes everyone an enjoyable and safe Labor Day weekend.