For many people, Memorial Day is a time to celebrate freedom, in more ways than one. We salute the U.S. veterans who sacrificed to preserve and protect us. And many of us celebrate freedom of the road on this holiday.
Memorial Day traffic is one of the heaviest, which translates into more accidents. According to the National Safety Council , an average of 358 fatal accidents happen per year during the Memorial Day weekend.
Protect your family with these Memorial Day safety tips from the NHTSA:
1. Avoid alcohol
Alcohol and driving is always a bad mix. Every day, nearly 30 people in the U.S. die in a motor-vehicle crash involving an alcohol-impaired driver. If you have young drivers, learn how to talk to teens about alcohol.
2. Keep your tires properly inflated
If Memorial Day weekend means a road trip for you and the gang, make sure your tires are ready to endure the long drive.
3. Clean your windshield
Make sure your view is clear and your wipers are in good shape. A sudden summer storm will hinder visibility more rapidly if there’s a coat of grime or dust on the windshield.
4. Never leave kids unattended
Don’t leave your children in the car, even if you’re just running into the store for sunscreen. Temperatures inside an automobile can increase to deadly levels quickly.
5. Stay alert while driving
When you get behind the wheel, stay alert and avoid distracted driving. To stay alert on your trip, get plenty of rest before you leave. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination to avoid aggravation, and keep yourself hydrated by bringing water with you.
