Fourth of July Traffic May Be Record Breaking

Experts Predict This Holiday Weekend to be Record Breaking for Drivers

Independence Day weekend travel is set to be a record breaker this year according to AAA and Conde` Nast Traveler. The travel organization estimates that 43 million Americans will pack their back to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend which is about five million more than those traveling for Memorial Day Weekend.  About 84 percent of those travelers or 36 million will be driving.

Lower Gas Prices, and Day of the Week Factor into More Travelers

And to think, there is a down side to lower gas prices—lower gas prices mean many more cars on the roads and more potential motor vehicle crashes due to the increase in traffic. Since the Fourth of July falls on a Monday, many people will be taking Friday, July 1, 2016 off from work. The official holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 30 through July 4, 2016 late evening.

Estimated 380,000 Will Call for Roadside Assistance

When you see that number, you automatically think about being sure your battery is good and you perform a very thorough pre-road trip check. But another concern, perhaps far more dangerous is looking for cars that stall on the side of the road or the horrible experience of your car being stranded on a busy interstate or highway.

• Stranded cars on the side of the road that are hit in the rear by semi-trucks or other vehicles cause way too many deaths every year.
• Experts advise that you call 911 immediately if your car becomes stranded or breaks down on the interstate or busy highway as it becomes very dangerous to all other travelers.
• Certainly call your roadside assistance program, but also place a call to 911 so they can get the appropriate personel there to reduce the possibility of a crash.
• Get a safe distance from your broke-down vehicle.

Do Not Drink and Drive

In addition to that pesky DUI charge that may completely mess up your weekend, again there is a far bigger danger.  Being involved in a drunk driving car crash is a frequently a life-changing event for all involved.  Too many people are seriously injured and killed due to someone choosing to climb behind the wheel after they have been drinking.

Plan your Fourth of July celebration and plan your safe, sober transportation.

Record Traffic Demands Record Attentiveness

The estimated record number of cars on the roadways require that each and every one of us pay close attention to driving in order to reduce the number of potential crashes.  Inattentiveness is the number one cause of car crashes. Be alert and obey all traffic laws.  It may be tempting to speed to your destination in anticipation of the fun, but don’t.

Obey the rules of the road. Don’t tailgate other drivers as that often results in rear-end car crashes. Also, take a breath and don’t rush a stop sign.  Arriving at your destination a few minutes late is far better than not arriving at all.  A serious car crash not only ruins weekends, but lives.

If You Are Involved in a Car Crash, Contact an Expert Attorney ASAP

If you are involved in a car crash, the first thing you should do after seeking medical attention is contact an attorney specializing in car crashes. At The Cagle Law Firm, our attorneys are available seven days a week to answer your questions following a car accident. We know how complicated everything becomes after you are injured in a car accident and you want and need immediate information.

Call us at (314) 276-1681 for a free consultation.