Each Labor Day, millions of Americans celebrate the U.S. labor movement with three-day weekends composed of backyard barbecues, family get-togethers, and final hurrahs as back to school season begins and summer winds down.
Labor Day in 2020 is bound to look different, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic making travel and large gatherings more difficult or downright impossible. That being said, many people will still enjoy the long weekend with small groups of friends or family, good food, and their alcoholic beverages of choice.
Unfortunately, in addition to being a widely-celebrated holiday, the first Monday in September is also associated with a high number of Labor Day accidents, particularly car crashes.
Labor Day Accidents in Tennessee
Labor Day weekend is just part of a recurring trend of deadly accidents that plague Tennessee each year in September. According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), 120 people died in traffic accidents in September 2019, the highest number of recorded traffic deaths in one month in the past five years.
In Knoxville alone, the local police department reported hundreds of citations, 58 crashes, 7 DUI arrests, and one fatality over the holiday weekend last year. In addition, there were two serious Tennessee boating accidents and at least five BUI arrests.
Tips for Preventing Labor Day Accidents
Most Labor Day accidents are avoidable. To help you and your family celebrate and get home safely, the Nashville personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys recommend following these tips.
Don’t Drink and Drive
It’s no secret that Labor Day weekend is a drinking holiday for many. While there’s nothing wrong with indulging, drinking and driving is a major cause of deadly Labor Day accidents. If you have had a few, don’t risk getting in your car or on your motorcycle.
If you’re heading to a socially-distant get-together and know you’ll be drinking, plan ahead. Catch a ride with a designated driver or use a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. If you are having guests, be careful not to over serve them, and offer up your couch to anyone who might need it at the end of the night.
Boat Responsibly
Roadways aren’t the only dangerous place to be during the holiday weekend. Avoid a boating accident in Tennessee by bringing all the proper equipment (including USCG-approved flotation devices for everyone on board), preparing for bad weather and other emergencies, and leaving your alcohol at the shore.
While boat passengers are legally allowed to drink, it greatly increases the risk of slip-and-falls, drowning, and other Labor Day accidents.
Beat the Heat
It might be the end of summer, but spending all day in the sun and humidity still poses health risks, especially if you are also drinking. If you’ll be spending time enjoying the great outdoors, be sure to drink plenty of water, apply sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade. Heatstroke can affect anyone, but children and the elderly are more susceptible. Keep everyone hydrated and cool to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Injured Over the Holiday Weekend?
If you or a loved one suffer an injury during Labor Day weekend due to someone else’s negligence, legal assistance is available at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. Contact us anytime, day or night for immediate help after an accident.
Call our Nashville office at 615-333-8888 to schedule your free no obligation consultation. You deserve only the best legal representation, and our team of dedicated attorneys will fight for your right to compensation following an injury. Plus, you won’t pay us a penny unless we win your case. Talk to a representative online using our LiveChat feature, or request a free case review using this form.