Some Tips for Safe Memorial Day Driving “>Every

2013-05-21
By: Advocate Brokerage

Some Tips for Safe Memorial Day Driving

Every year during the annual Memorial Day Weekend holiday period, law enforcement agencies join forces day and night, from coast-to-coast, for an enforcement blitz that delivers on the message Click It or Ticket.

Why?

Because for the past six years, according to the National Safety Council, the Memorial Day holiday weekend has averaged 11.5% more traffic fatalities, about 420 each year, than similar non-holiday periods. This is likely due in part to increased travel, but also to impaired driving and other behaviors more likely to occur around a holiday.

Regarding seat belts, the NSC in 2012 estimated that 149 people survived the Memorial Day holiday weekend because they wore safety belts, and another 107 lives could have been been saved if all people wore safety belts.

To ensure a safe Memorial Day holiday weekend 2013, NSC recommends that drivers:

• Refrain from all cell phone use behind the wheel
• Make sure all passengers are buckled up and children are in age-appropriate safety seats
• All children 12 and under should always be in the back seat
• Allow plenty of travel time to avoid frustration and diminish the impulse to speed
• Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during inclement weather
• Avoid driving while drowsy
• Designate a “non-drinking” driver – even moderate consumption of alcohol impairs reaction time and driving judgment

Advocate Brokerage and the insurance companies we represent, including Chubb, Pure and Travelers, wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Please drive with care this weekend.