Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
Officials are predicting that there’s going to be more than 1.5 million travelers over the Labor Day holiday weekend in the state of Florida alone. According to the Sun Sentinel, the number of Florida travelers this year is up more than 2.5 percent from last year, but a little lower than the national average of 2.9 percent.
According to statewide statistics, approximately 87 percent of these travelers will be traveling by car. Nationwide, only 85 percent will be using their vehicle to get to and from their vacation destination. Gas is going to cost these drivers a little more, too. The average cost of a gallon of gas in the Fort Lauderdale area is currently sitting at $3,76. That’s up nearly 30 cents from the cost during this time in 2011.
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers understand that the roadways are going to be congested and they’re going to be dangerous. According to officials with the National Safety Council (NSC), there will be approximately 410 people who will die in car accidents over the long holiday weekend. They also estimate that another 41,000 people are going to get injured in these incidents. Drivers are asked to be cautious behind the wheel over the holiday, whether you’re driving 5 miles or 500 miles from your home.
Officials consider the Labor Day weekend to be the time from Friday afternoon to midnight on Monday. During this time, your risks for a car accident skyrocket. All drivers are asked to be extremely cautious and alert behind the wheel to help to avoid one of these accidents. The NSC offers you some safe driving tips.
Safe Driving Tips for your Labor Day Weekend:
-Make sure that you’re always buckled in. You want to make sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seat belt.
-Make sure that you check out your vehicle before you head out. Make sure that your fluids are fresh and full and that your tires are properly inflated.
-Keep the distractions away from the driver.
-If you’re planning on drinking, make sure that you have a sober way to get home. Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or if you are under the influence of drugs.
-Make sure that you allow plenty of travel time to avoid frustration and diminish the impulse to speed or engage in other dangerous driving habits.
-Check weather and traffic conditions before you head out. Adjust you driving to accommodate these conditions if you can’t avoid them altogether.
-Try to avoid driving at night. This is when you’re most likely to get into a drowsy driving car accident.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car accident, contact Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. Call 1-800-561-7777.
Additional Resources:
Labor Day travel to rise 2.6 percent in Florida, AAA forecasts, by Doreen Hemlock, Sun Sentinel
More Blog Entries:
Red-Light Camera Raking in Millions in Boynton Beach, Fort Lauderale Car Accidents Attorney Blog, August 20, 2012
Lauderdale Traffic Safety: Officers Target Drunk Drivers through Labor Day, Fort Lauderale Car Accidents Attorney Blog, August 19, 2012