Avoiding Accidents During Memorial Day Weekend

Summertime is the deadliest time of the year for drivers on American roadways. Because Memorial Day Weekend – the unofficial start of the summer season – is just around the corner, our Cherry Hill car accident lawyers say now is the perfect time to review simple steps which can be taken to reduce car accidents in New Jersey. Staying off the roads during the overnight hours, driving defensively, and avoiding alcohol are some of the simple steps that can lead to many lives being saved.

Memorial Day Is Especially Deadly

Although holidays occurring later in the summer, such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend, are historically more deadly, the dangers of driving during Memorial Day Weekend should never be underestimated. The holiday weekend is defined by AAA as Thursday afternoon to Tuesday morning.

Unfortunately, many of the crashes that will take place this Memorial Day weekend will involve drunk driving – an entirely avoidable tragedy. In 2010, 40 percent of Memorial Day weekend traffic fatalities were later revealed to be alcohol-related according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Be Wary Of How Much You Have Had to Drink

While summer fast approaching is often a time of celebration, it is important to continue to drive safely and avoid consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel. An average-sized man weighing 200 pounds needs five alcoholic beverages to register a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08%, the legal limit.

On the other hand, a 160-pound woman needs an average of just four drinks to be declared legally drunk. The consequences of driving with a BAC of .08% or greater are well documented – decreased reaction times and falling asleep at the wheel are common, as is driving aggressively and failing to abide by the rules of the road.