Recently released statistics by the National Safety Council estimate that more than 400 fatalities will occur because of car accidents in New York and elsewhere in the country during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
They also estimate that the United States will see another 39,000 injuries that require medical attention during the kickoff weekend of the summer season.
The NSC also estimates that more than 300 vehicle occupants may survive the Memorial Day holiday weekend traffic accidents because they will be wearing seat belts. It is also estimated that another 103 lives could be saved if everyone wore their seat belt.
Our New York City injury attorneys urge all motorists to wear their seat belt while traveling on our New York roadways. Residents and visitors should know the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be supporting “Click It or Ticket” campaigns to help raise awareness about the importance of seat belt usage.
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign has been proven the most successful safety belt enforcement campaign of all time as it has contributed to the highest national safety belt usage rate – nearly 90 percent. Law enforcement will strictly enforce their zero-tolerance policy of safety belt violations across the country throughout the entire campaign.
Over the last six years, Memorial Day weekend averages for vehicle accidents experience an increase of more than 12 percent compared to similar non-holiday periods. Many credit the increase in accidents to the increase in travel nationwide.
The NSC offers these tips to help keep you safe on the road this Memorial Day holiday weekend:
-Make sure you and all of your passengers are wearing their seats belts and that children are in age-appropriate safety seats.
-Refrain from all cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle. Distracting driving habits greatly increase your risks of being involved in an accident that results in injury.
-Avoid drinking and driving at all costs.Consumption of alcohol impairs reaction time and driving judgment. Be sure to keep your friends and family from jumping behind the wheel after drinking as well.
-Make sure you’re well rested. It is encouraged you get your rest during this busy holiday weekend before driving your car.
-Practice defensive driving habits and always exercise caution, especially during shoddy weather conditions.
-Allow plenty of travel time to get to your destination to avoid frustration and the need for speed. Obey all traffic laws while traveling.
Memorial Day is celebrated May 30 but it is actually observed on the last Monday in May. The holiday is always celebrated as 3.25-day weekend that consists of Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. This year, the holiday period will extend from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 30. All drivers are urged to practice extra safe driving habits during this holiday weekend to avoid becoming one of these unfortunate statistics.
New York personal injury lawyer Nicholas Rose understands that being involved in a car accident in New York City or the surrounding areas requires the solid advice of an experienced legal professional. If you have been injured, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights at 1-877-313-ROSE (7673).
