Many residents in New Orleans will travel out of town over the Memorial Day weekend. Likewise, many people are likely to travel to New Orleans over the long holiday weekend. Therefore, it is important to remember holiday driving safety rules that can help reduce the risk of injury and death from a traffic accident.

Below is a short review of some of the top holiday driving safety tips from our New Orleans car accident attorneys.

Holiday Driving Safety Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

1.  Before leaving on a road trip, have your car serviced.

Whether you intend to stay at home or take a road trip, it is always a good idea to have your vehicle serviced before a holiday. If something goes wrong over the holiday weekend, you may be stuck without a vehicle, or you may pay much more for assistance.

2.  Get a good night’s rest.

Drowsy driving is dangerous. Before leaving on a holiday road trip, get a good night’s rest.  If possible, split the driving with another adult passenger. Also, take frequent rest breaks during your trip.

3.  Avoid speed traps.

Law enforcement agencies will be out in full force over the Memorial Day weekend. Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, including planning for heavier traffic. Speeding can increase your risk of and the severity of a car accident, in addition to receiving a costly speed ticket.

4.  Pack a car emergency kit.

Prepare for emergencies on the road by packing an emergency kit for your car. Essential items include:

  • Water and protein snacks
  • Flares and traffic triangles
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Paper towels
  • First aid kit
  • Portable cell phone charger
  • Jumper cables

5.  Plan your route carefully.

Check for traffic alerts along your route. Whenever possible, plan at least one secondary route in case of an accident or other incident that creates congestion and delays along your initial route.

6.  Check the weather conditions.

Before leaving, check the weather conditions at your destination and along your route. Certain weather conditions can have a significant impact on your travel plans.

7.  Everyone in the car should be secure.

Adults and teenagers need to wear seat belts during the entire trip. Children should be secured in car seats or booster seats based on their age, weight, and height. Also, make sure you secure pets in a pet carrier or special pet harness.

Call Our New Orleans Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review

Our attorneys hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend. However, if you are injured in a traffic accident, our legal team will be here to help you file an accident claim seeking compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages. Do not let an insurance adjuster convince you that you can handle your claim without an attorney. The adjuster works for the insurance company. He protects the company’s best interest. You deserve to have a legal advocate who is working just for you.

Call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule your free consultation with a New Orleans car accident lawyer. Find out how much your car accident claim is worth from a trusted legal advocate in your hometown.