Labor Day weekend is almost upon us. Labor Day is a federal holiday to honor the American labor movement and the contributions workers have made to our great country. While Labor Day weekend is generally a much-anticipated holiday weekend, it is also a bit sad because it means summer is almost at an end. This long weekend is largely considered the final weekend of the summer.
Labor Day weekend is another heavy travel holiday across the United States. Here in Massachusetts, although it seems like there is always traffic, over this weekend the traffic will increases with many traveling to the Cape, North Shore, South Shore and many other amazing places in Massachusetts to celebrate and enjoy the long weekend. An increase in traffic usually correlates with an increase in motor vehicle accidents. So, be careful this weekend and remember your defensive driving techniques to keep yourself, your family and others on the roads and highways safe.
Statistics Show an Increase in Crashes Over Labor Day Weekend
The Labor Day holiday technically begins on Friday evening and ends Monday night. According to the National Safety Council, car crashes and fatal and non-fatal injuries rise over the Labor Day weekend. Statistics show that nearly 50,000 people are seriously injured and approximately 400 people die in car accidents during this holiday weekend.
The increase in accidents and injuries are due to the increase in vehicular travel. As stated above, many people and families fit in a last-minute summer vacation over this weekend, especially in Massachusetts. The increase in cars on the roads and highways generally result in an increased risk of being involved in a car crash. Additionally, holiday weekends tend to result in an increase in distracted driving and drunk driving.
If you’ve read any of our other blogs over the years, you know that distracted driving has quickly become one of the leading causes of accidents and serious injuries. Distracted and drunk driving are said to increase during holidays. Labor Day weekend is no different. So, we must all be careful while driving this weekend.
Most Common Causes of Accidents During Labor Day Weekend
I briefly touched upon it above, but below are the two most common causes of car accidents over the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Distracted Diving: Being largely considered the last weekend of the summer, many of us are very excited to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather while we still have it, especially here in Massachusetts. Sometimes the excitement of a long and fun weekend causes people to be less conscientious of safe driving than we otherwise would be. This can lead to being distracted behind the wheel. It’s no surprise that distracted driving is becoming a major cause of car crashes and serious injuries. Driving with friends or family tend to lead to distractions in the car. Sometimes, kids can cause distractions. They may be fighting with their siblings, asking for a snack or begging for your phone or iPad. Whatever the case may be, do your best to avoid these distractions while driving. Also, using the GPS or phone while driving can also take your attention from the road or highway. You can wait or ask someone else to send that text to your friends or family telling them that you are running late or in traffic. All it takes is a split second and your life could be changed forever.
Drunk/Impaired Driving: Labor Day weekend is a holiday for many of us to relax and celebrate. Many people choose to have a few drinks to celebrate. Others choose to have more than a few drinks. While, of course, there is nothing generally wrong with this, the problem is when people have too much to drink and then get behind the wheel. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that reduces our bodily functions and fine and gross motor skills. These skills are needed to safely operate a vehicle. When our motor skills are diminished, drivers are unable to make proper driving maneuvers, and this can lead to causing car accident and serious injuries. Additionally, alcohol impairs or decision-making abilities. Sometimes, drivers engage in riskier driving habits while under the influence of alcohol or are unable to react timely to any hazards or other dangerous conditions on the roads and highway. Regardless of how or why alcohol may contribute to a car accident, you should do yourself and everyone else a favor and don’t drive if you plan to have a few drinks during this holiday weekend. The tragedies of serious motor vehicle crashes are not worth the risk.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation if You Are Injured in a Crash
If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident over the Labor Day weekend, you may be entitled to financial compensation. If the car crash was caused by a negligent, distracted or drunk driver, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses suffered in the crash. This is done by filing a bodily injury claim with the other negligent driver’s auto insurance company.
Auto insurance companies routinely fight and contest personal injury claims. To protect your right to compensation, make sure you follow the tips of what to do and what not to do after a car accident over the Labor Day weekend. You should also consult with an experienced Massachusetts personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney will conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash. A proper investigation is to obtain the necessary facts to establish that the other driver was negligent and the cause of the accident and your injuries.
Additionally, an experienced lawyer will protect your legal rights to compensation and take on the insurance companies and their attempts to deny or minimize your claim all with the goal of getting you the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries, economic losses and pain and suffering.
We wish everyone a safe and fun-filled Labor Day weekend.
