9 Basic safety precautions for Labor Day weekend from Gainesville and Ocala Accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon

Florida is the fourth largest state in the US in terms of population but it comes in third in the overall number of traffic deaths and is second only to Texas in the number of teenage traffic fatalities, according to the National Safety Commission.   

In addition, Labor Day weekend is one of the most deadly weekends of the year, with an average of 15 percent higher traffic fatalities.  Furthermore, many of the fatal crashes are alcohol related and due to driving long distances.

As a Gainesville and Ocala Accident Attorney, I wish you all a safe and happy weekend.  Remember, before you hit the road to celebrate the long weekend, please keep in mind these 9 basic safety precautions:

• Buckle up every time for every trip and make sure everyone else in your car does the same.  Even if you hate seat belts, it could save your life and the lives of other loved ones.
• Secure your most precious cargo, your children, in age appropriate car seats or restraints.  
• Do not drink and drive. Labor Day weekend ranks in the top 3 of the most deadly weekends due to drinking and driving. Remember, drunk driving is 100% preventable! Do you know how to avoid drinking and driving?  
• Make sure your car is not overloaded. Do you know what your car weight limit is?  
• Take time to get to your destination and do not drive drowsy.  
• Put down your cell phone and do not drive distracted, avoid common driving distractions and pay attention to the road.  
• Make sure that your teen drivers know the rules and have safe driving skills. Have you talked with your young driver yet about the facts of teen age driving?
• Make sure your car is up to the trip. When was the last time you checked your tires? 
• Obey the speed limit signs, and do not speed. Do you know the high cost of speeding?  

For more information:

 
7 Simple things to help make your holiday weekend safe.