Labor Day Driving Tips

If last summer is any indication of how North Carolinians will choose to vacation in 2010, the roads could be seeing a considerable increase in traffic this Labor Day Weekend. Like most Americans, citizens of North Carolina want to get away during the last holiday of the summer season. Unfortunately, the overwhelming popularity of these late summer vacations has made the travel process required to get out of town significantly less than a favorable experience.

Most people who plan to travel during Labor Day Weekend will be utilizing the roads to arrive at their final destination. Although drivers are likely to be met with high gas prices at the pump, this has not stopped them from traveling in years past. In order to alleviate some of the stress commonly produced by Labor Day Weekend traffic, state officials have previously suspended many of the on-going road construction projects located along the state’s busiest highways. Even with this type of assistance, Labor Day Weekend has been, and will always be, considered one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the year.

In order to avoid any accidents this Labor Day Weekend, we here at the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood would like to suggest taking the following precautions:

Do a “walk-around” of your car.

• Before you leave, check your car’s tires, fluid, and wipers.
  It may be necessary to have the cooling system and radiator serviced as well.

Wear your seatbelt.

Don’t speed.

• Be patient while you drive and always leave in plenty of time to arrive at your destination safely.

Avoid distractions.

• Examples include: texting while driving, loud music, etc.

Plan ahead.

• Know where you are going before you ever leave your home. Many accidents are caused by drivers suddenly switching lanes in order to catch a particular exit.
• If you get confused while on the road, pull over to consult your directions or consider purchasing a GPS navigational system.

Eliminate fatigue.

• Get plenty of rest before you depart for your vacation

Don’t drink and drive.

• Do not consume any alcohol or other illegal substance immediately before or during your drive.

Avoid aggressive driving behavior.

Lookout for pedestrians or children darting out into the road.

Watch out for motorcyclist/bicyclist.

• You should give persons on a motorcycle or bicycle the same respect that you would give another driver in a car.
• Persons on motorcycles or bicycles are also required to follow the same rules as drivers of cars.

Be tolerant of large trucks.

• Never try to “cut off” a large truck because these types of vehicles need more time to brake.

Pull over to use your cell phone.

Always use your signal lights.

Never stop on the highway – pull over instead.

Don’t panic!

• A calm driver is a safe driver.

This entry was posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents.