New Yorkers and visitors alike are asked to be extremely careful behind the wheel through the Memorial Day holiday weekend. During this time, our risks for traffic collisions skyrocket.
News Center 10 reports that the National Safety Council (NSC) predicts close to 410 people will be killed in traffic accidents across the U.S. during this holiday weekend. What’s worse is traffic officials believe another 44,000 people will be injured in these same incidents.
“NSC issues fatality estimates for major holiday periods to draw attention to the need for drivers to exercise safe driving practices,” said NSC President Janet Froetscher.
Our Queens personal injury attorneys are asking you to prepare yourself before heading out on your holiday weekend vacation. This means preparing your vehicle for anything and everything and preparing your mind before hitting the road.
Before you head out, check your vehicle:
-Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Look at the tread on your tires. Make sure they’re not too bald or worn. Old tires increase your risks for an accident.
-Check the fluids under your hood. Make sure they’re full and everything’s running properly. Check the belts.
-Fill up your gas tank before heading out.
-Check your headlights and taillights. Check that each is working and are bright. Not only do you run the risk of getting cited by an officer if your lights aren’t working, but you’re increasing your risks of an accident.
-Give your windows and mirrors a wipe down. You want to be able to see everything at all times. Increase your visibility.
Now that your vehicle is ready, you’ve got to make sure that your mind is right. This is a big factor in helping to prevent aggressive driving and potential accidents. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), aggressive driving can include speeding, frequent and unnecessary lane changes, tailgating, and running red or yellow lights. These behaviors create unsafe situations and can lead to road rage.
To avoid the risks involved with aggressive driving, you should never drive when emotional. Keep your cool and breathe. If a driver happens to cut you off or make another driving mistake, let it go. Chalk it up as an innocent mistake. If you start to get frustrated behind the wheel, pull over and take a second to breathe.
Monitor your own state of mind to make sure you aren’t a danger to others. Allow enough time to reach your destination without speeding. Keep food in the car. Monitor your emotions; don’t drive if you’re upset.
Keeping your cool is going to help keep you safe.
Lastly, we’d like to remind everyone to buckle up before heading out. Officials with the NSC predict that close to 150 people will be saved because of seat belt use. They also estimate that another 100 people could be saved if all motorists were to buckle up.
The Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC offers free consultations to those who have been injured in a traffic collision. Call 1-877-313-7673.
More Blog Entries:
Fewer NYC Crash Injuries Likely if Feds Lower Legal Alcohol Limit, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, May 15, 2013
Distracted Driving Warnings Have Little Impact on Curbing Behavior, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, April 22, 2013
