A three-day weekend is coming, and many families are packing up their cars for a road trip weekend. Travelling on Memorial Day weekend is increasingly common, which is why the freeways are typically jammed with cars filled with families that are trying to reach a family member or friend. While Memorial Day can be very exciting, the weekend can also be very dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, data shows that there may be 407 fatalities this weekend in traffic accidents across the nation. Data also shows that there will be approximately 43,500 non-fatal injuries which will require medical attention.

The NSC arrived at these figures after looking at the accident statistics from Memorial Day weekend from the years 2006 and 2011. The council announces that the statistics for this year are averaged at about 7% lower than last year, meaning that individuals are showing driver safety improvements. The researchers also say that a tough economy discourages some families from travelling over Memorial Day weekend. The NSC says 148 lives will probably be saved over the weekend be seatbelt use. Another 100 people will avoid death if all drivers and passengers choose to buckle up for their trip.

The NSC says that the biggest defense to Memorial Day accidents is limiting cell phone use when on the road. On busy travel weekends like this one, drivers often come up on traffic quickly. If a driver is texting or talking on the phone, he or she may not notice the brake lights until it is too late, and will slam into cars up ahead. That is why it is important for drivers to put their cell phones away or turn them off when driving. Even hands-free systems can still serve as a distraction from drivers and cause tragic accidents. The NSC also suggests that all drivers are defensive when out on the roads this weekend.

It is important that passengers and drivers buckle their seatbelts and that parents ensure their children are in age-appropriate safety-seats before they head out on the road. One of the larger dangers of Memorial Day driving is the amount of intoxicated drivers out on the road. Many individuals go to barbeques that are full of alcoholic beverages or celebrate Memorial Day with parties that involve strong cocktails or glasses of wine. These partygoers then get back in their cars to drive home, and often have an illegal BAC when out on the road. Many cities are employing extra officers for Memorial Day weekend to regulate the amount of intoxicated drivers, but the threat of an accident still stands.

Also, many drivers will try to travel a long distance on little sleep in order to get there in time this weekend. It is important that all drivers remember that it is never safe to drive drowsy. The NSC also suggests that anyone planning to travel this weekend leaves plenty of time to reach his or her destination. This is essential because some individuals may not give a wide-enough range of time to get to their desired location. As a result, the driver may become frustrated and speed.

If you are injured in an accident this Memorial Day, then you have the right to seek compensation from the driver-at-fault. With the right lawyer on your side, you can obtain damages for the property that was totaled or harmed, the medical bills that you need to pay for your injuries, and the emotional pain and suffering that you had to deal with. Talk to a car accident attorney today for more information!