Don’t make Memorial Day too memorable

Pennsylvania endured what may have been the worst winter in living memory for many people, and so with Memorial Day marking the start of summer, or at least the summer driving season, many are ready to get on the road and go somewhere, anywhere. And those people will have a lot of company, as the AAA is estimating the highest traffic count since the recession, with an expected 31.8 million drivers on the roads.

That tragic corollary that goes with all of those motorists on the road is a great many car accidents. Out of those 31.8 million motorists, the AAA forecasts almost 400 highway fatalities.

Virtually all of these deaths will be unnecessary and avoidable. Some will be caused by drunk drivers, others by motorists speeding and driving recklessly and some by distracted drivers talking or texting on their cell phones. 

You should practice safe driving habits this weekend, as traffic volumes increase. Whether you are traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike or down the back roads leading away from Chambersburg, you need to exercise caution, as traffic could be subject to intermittent slowdowns or come to a complete halt. You don’t want it to be a crashing halt.

Even a minor fender bender can ruin a holiday weekend, and if you need to call a car accident attorney, you know your weekend has taken a very wrong turn.

Do buckle up. The Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement will be enforcing seatbelt laws. Do it-it takes a second and it could save your life.

And avoid distracted driving because in congested conditions those seconds you take your eyes off the road to glance at your phone when it informs you of an incoming text are enough time for you travel 150 feet at highway speeds and hit that car that was not there a moment ago.

Source:  Cars.com, “AAA Forecasts Increase in Memorial Day Weekend Traffic,” Jennifer Geiger, May 21, 2014