People all across Knoxville are likely looking forward to the long holiday weekend ahead. Memorial Day is one of only a handful of holidays that allow people to enjoy a longer weekend and more time to relax.

However, this extended break can come with some serious risks, particularly when it comes to road safety. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Memorial Day is one of the holidays during which accidents and road fatalities increase. While we want readers to enjoy the holiday, we also want to encourage everyone to keep some basic safety tips in mind when they get behind the wheel.

Stay focused: It can be easy to get distracted by holiday plans or trying to figure out where you are going if you are taking short road trip. People may be tempted to pick up their phone, type in a text or look up directions. If you need to do this, pull over first.
Stay alert: People may be staying out later on weekend evenings and being more active which can make people much more tired. Avoid driving when you are fatigued or you could risk falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing.
Stay sober: Holiday weekends like Memorial Day often come hand-in-hand with drinking. People are barbecuing, relaxing at the pool and just spending time with friends and family, and this can mean having a few alcoholic beverages. Make sure you have a sober ride home and don’t take the risk of driving drunk.

Memorial Day weekend is not only a holiday; it is also the unofficial kick-off to summer which is also a time of year that sees increases in motor vehicle accidents. It is a good time to focus on safe driving. Unfortunately, many people won’t take the basic precautions we mentioned above; this reckless or negligent behavior can have devastating consequences for other people who may be doing whatever they can to be safe.

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident this weekend, it can be crucial for you to understand your rights and explore your options to take legal action to hold the appropriate party responsible. Contact OEB Law, PLLC the attorneys you know and trust. Call (865) 546-1111 today.