Tips for Safe Driving Over Memorial Day Weekend

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Attorney Grant Travis | Travis Law Firm | Personal Injury Attorney, DUI Defense Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney | Serving Erie, Crawford, Warren & all of Northwestern PA | Call the Travis Law Firm at 814-277-2222 today!

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the summer vacation season. Erie and the surrounding areas have plenty of holiday events and activities to keep you busy. However, if you are traveling for the holiday weekend, you need to beware that with the increase in traffic, you increase of being involved in a car crash also increases. Even if you are just traveling across town, you need to be very careful on the roads over the holiday weekend.

Below are several tips from our Erie DUI defense attorney to help keep you legal and safe over Memorial Day Weekend.

Have a Designated Driver

Before you begin your holiday celebrations, choose a designated driver who will ensure everyone arrives back home safe and sound. Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents during a holiday weekend. Avoid an accident and an expensive DUI conviction by designating a sober driver.

Don’t Drive While Drowsy

It is easy to become so busy with holiday celebrations that you lose sleep. Unfortunately, even a couple hours of lost sleep can increase your risk of an accident.  You need to have a good night’s sleep if you intend to drive on a long road trip. Even if you are only driving across town, don’t drive if you are drowsy or fatigued.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

When you are angry while driving, you make mistakes. Learn how to avoid road rage and aggressive driving by reading AAA Foundation’s Aggressive Driving brochure.

Don’t Drive While Distracted

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Put down the cell phone and all other electronic devices while driving.  Limit distractions so that you can focus on the road and other drivers. During 2015, the NHTSA states 3,477 people died and 391,00 people were injured in distracted driving accidents. Don’t become a statistic this Memorial Day Weekend!

Slow Down!

The Pennsylvania State Police will be out in full force over Memorial Day Weekend as will all police departments. Law enforcement officers will be looking for drunk and speeding drivers.  Speeding-related accidents resulted in 9,557 deaths in 2015, a three percent increase from 2014. As speed increases, your risk of a being killed or seriously injured in a car accident also increases. Slow down to avoid a traffic ticket and an accident.

Buckle Up!

In addition to looking for drunk drivers and speeding drivers, the Pennsylvania State Police will be kicking off their campaign “Click it or Ticket” that runs from May 22, 2017 through June 4, 2017. It has been shown in numerous studies that wearing your safety belt can prevent fatalities and traumatic injuries in a car accident. So, buckle up this weekend to avoid a ticket and reduce your risk of injury in a traffic accident.

Call an Erie DUI Attorney

If you are stopped for driving under the influence during Memorial Day Weekend, remain calm and listen to the officers. When you are placed under arrest, tell the officer you want to call your attorney.  Don’t answer any questions until you consult with your attorney.

Contact The Travis Law Firm toll-free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our Erie DUI defense lawyers.