The Labor Day weekend, which unofficially marks the end of summer, is notorious for drunk driving incidents. According to The Las Vegas Sun, 45 DUI arrests were reported in southern Nevada just during Labor Day weekend in 2010. Anyone who has to travel during a holiday weekend would be well advised to practice safe driving habits to avoid traffic fatalities.
Here are some safety tips you could take to avoid DUI crashes during the holiday weekend:
- First and foremost, if you plan on drinking this holiday weekend, do not drive.
Call a cab. Ask a friend to take your keys. Request a ride from a sober friend or designated driver & put the seat belts. Driving drunk will not only put your life at risk, but also endanger the lives of others on the roadway. - Another dangerous driving habit that is often overlooked is fatigued or drowsy driving. If you are out late afternoon celebrating this Labor Day weekend, do not drive fatigued. Studies have shown that drowsy and fatigued driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 56,000 traffic accidents each year are attributed to impaired driving.
- Always obey traffic signals and signage at major intersection, even if it seems like everyone else is going the other way in heavy traffic. Avoid distracted driving by limiting the use of your cell phone. Keep your car emergency kit updated. Be aware of blind spots while driving behind commercial trucks.
- If you are driving in Nevada this Labor Day weekend, there are a number of actions you can take to protect yourself. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. If a driver is behaving erratically, pull over and call the authorities. Follow the rules of the road and drive within the speed limit. Also, be sure to watch for pedestrians and bicyclists who may be out later than normal because of the holidays.
Steps to Take After a DUI-Related Accident
- Call 911 and report the road accident.
- Cooperate with law enforcement officers who respond to the scene.
- Seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the crash.
- Contact a DUI attorney to discuss your legal options and how to proceed.
At the end of the day, it is important to remember that driving safely and responsibly is the most important thing you can do this Labor Day weekend. Have fun, but be safe.
A Safe Labor Day Weekend with Shook & Stone
The Las Vegas injury attorneys at Shook & Stone wish you and your family a safe holiday weekend. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Nevada DUI accident caused by someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to call us at 702-570-0000. Call us today to find out how we can help.
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