The Treasure Coast of Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, and over the Labor Day weekend, thousands of tourists will be heading to the Sunshine State for their end-of-summer celebration. Holiday travel can be dangerous on the roadways, with vehicle accidents often surging over the long weekend.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), nationwide, 31.5 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the long holiday weekend. During the weekend that officially runs from 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 2, to midnight, Monday, September 5, they anticipate 27 million of those to drive to their destination.
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that nationwide over the 2011 Labor Day weekend there will be 400 traffic fatalities and close to 40,000 accident-related injuries. This is a 14 percent decrease in the actual numbers averaged over the last six-years. The number of traffic fatalities over the holiday weekend in 2008 was 473, with 351 in 2009.
The NSC encourages drivers over the holiday, and at all times, to follow four primary safe driving tips:
- Wear your safety belt
- Drive sober
- Focus on the road
- Drive defensively
In addition, all drivers should obey the posted speed limits, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Prior to heading out for your trip also ensure your vehicle has a complete maintenance check.
Although the goal is to prevent accidents, the Florida Highway Patrol adds that drivers should make sure items in their vehicles are properly stowed. Loose objects in a vehicle “can become high speed airborne projectiles that can cause serious injury” in a crash.
Keep in mind that the Florida police will be out in force as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s drunk driving crackdown. They will be enforcing the “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” nationwide campaign.
The attorneys at the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, wish all Floridians a safe and happy holiday weekend. We also encourage you to drive safely and follow Florida’s driving laws. We want you to make it safely to your destination.
If you are involved in a Florida car accident, trust the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney. We serve victims of automobile crashes and bus accidents in South Florida and the Treasure Coast, including in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Vero Beach.
Call (800) 299-8878 now to speak with a compassionate Florida injury and accident attorney or fill out our online contact form.
