How Can I Avoid a Collision This Memorial Day Weekend?

Memorial Day is the kickoff to summer, and families all over the nation use the long weekend to spend some quality time together. According to TIME, the Friday preceding this federal holiday is the fourth busiest day of the entire year at airports, and traveling by car is no less hectic.

The only way to ensure you do not get in an accident this Memorial Day weekend is by staying off the roads. If that is not an option, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of a crash.

Sadly, even the most cautious drivers can fall victim to negligent motorists. If you were injured or lost a family member in a collision, contact the Cooper Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, and non-economic damages. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Fort Worth.

Read on to learn four essential safety tips to keep in mind this Memorial Day weekend:

1. Avoid Drunk Driving

If you and your friends plan on drinking, make sure you designate a sober driver to ensure everyone gets home safely. You should also make it a point to keep your distance from vehicles that appear to be driving erratically. According to BACtrack, most drunk drivers are on the road between midnight and 3 a.m., so exercise additional caution when driving between these hours.

2. Watch out for Motorcyclists

Memorial Day weekend is a great time for motorcyclists to hit the road. Keep an eye out for motorcycles when you are driving, especially in heavy traffic. Although Texas lawmakers have yet to pass a lane splitting bill that would deem the practice legal, many riders weave between slow-moving cars when there is congestion.

3. Get Plenty of Sleep

If you want to head out early to avoid traffic, make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before you travel. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving because it slows your reaction time and inhibits concentration.

4. Inspect Your Vehicle

Examine your tires and check all fluid levels before leaving for the weekend, even if you only plan on traveling a short distance. Holiday traffic can easily turn a one-hour drive into a two-hour trek, and any stop-and-go congestion will force your engine to work harder and burn more oil than highway travel normally does.

The above safety tips can reduce the risk of a collision on your end, but they may not necessarily protect you from a reckless or inattentive driver. If you follow all the rules of the road and still end up in a collision, you have the right to pursue compensation from the liable party.

If you were injured by a negligent motorist in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm to discuss your case. Attorney N. Eric Cooper will investigate your crash, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you fight for the maximum payout.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Fort Worth. If you would like to learn more about car accident lawsuits in Texas, visit USAttorneys.com.