Accidents More Likely on Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day is upon us and the big three-day weekend is traditionally a time for parties, picnics, and good times with family and friends. Holidays are times when we have fun, relax, enjoy some added free time and create new memories, and that is as it should be. However, it is important to remember that holidays are also a time when there are more people traveling on the roadways, and the potent potables tend to flow freely, so we all need to be especially cautious.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration keeps annual accident statistics, and their records reveal consistent spikes in accidents over the major holiday weekends. The 4th of July weekend is traditionally the most dangerous time to drive, but Labor Day is not far behind. In 2008 there were 491 traffic fatalities over the 4th of July weekend, and 487 of them over the Labor Day holiday. Going back 25 years the average is consistently around 500 fatalities over each of these summer holiday weekends. About 40% of them are alcohol related.

So on Labor Day weekend we have the “imperfect storm,” if you will, of a lot of people partying and a lot of people driving. You also have to consider the fact that many of the drivers are visiting areas that they are not totally familiar with, and this adds to the risk. All Floridians who live in communities that are frequented by tourists and snowbirds have experienced the impact of visiting drivers who are not in step with the ebb and flow of daily life in the areas in which we live, and this can be dangerous.

We would like to wish everyone a happy Labor Day weekend and by all means, make the most of it and have fun. But make sure that you stock up on everything you need before the party starts, and when you are out on the roadways, be especially careful, take nothing for granted and drive defensively.

If you have been injured by the negligent actions of another driver, please feel free to contact us at 727-848-8892 to schedule a free consultation.