Hitting the road this Labor Day weekend? Labor Day traffic typically leads to more car accidents. The National Safety Council (NSC) is predicting as many as 455 traffic fatalities over the three-day weekend.
From Tucson to Flagstaff, it’s important for drivers to prepare for increased Labor Day traffic and other associated injury risks, like drunk driving, distracted driving, and driver fatigue. Find out how to stay safe this weekend with a little help from the Arizona personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.
Know Your Arizona Safety Corridors
Safety corridors are sections of highways that are designated as high-risk areas for accidents. They are highlighted for their higher-than-expected numbers of serious injury and fatal crashes. In these safety corridors, highway patrol has an increased presence to hopefully help decrease problematic driver behaviors like excessive speeding, impaired driving, and not wearing a seat belt.
There are four safety corridors you should know about in Arizona:
- Interstate 10: 4-mile safety corridor from I-17 Stack to SR 51 Mini Stack (milepost 143-147).
- Interstate 10: 23-mile safety corridor from Loop 202 Santan to SR 387 (milepost 162-185)
- U.S. Route 60:13-mile safety corridor from Loop 101 Price to Loop 202 (milepost 177-190)
- Interstate 40: 23-mile safety corridor from US 93 to US 93 (milepost 49-72)
When preparing for Labor Day traffic, remember not only that these safety corridors will be more heavily patrolled, but be sure to drive defensively to protect you and your passengers from other less scrupulous drivers.
Stay Informed On Road Closures and Traffic Conditions
It’s all too easy to get complacent when you’ve done a particular drive many times. However, just because you’re familiar with the roads doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk. In fact, being a little too comfortable behind the wheel can make you more prone to inattentive driving.
Before you leave, consult trusted resources like AZ511.gov for the most up-to-date information about road closures, alternate routes, and current traffic conditions, including active crash scenes. You can also download the ADOT Alerts app for real-time traffic alerts when you need them the most.
Remember to slow down and pay attention if you are approaching a construction zone, lane closures, or unexpected traffic incidents and to always follow move over laws for approaching emergency vehicles.
Avoid a Labor Day Traffic Accident By Planning for the Unexpected
When it comes to Labor Day traffic on Arizona’s roadways, the safest course of action is to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Taking some time before you leave to make sure you have all the necessary supplies in place can mean the difference between a close call and a fatal accident. Here are some things you can do before you leave to reduce the risk of Labor Day injuries:
- Have your vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic to make sure all components of your car, including the engine, tires, and air conditioning, are in working order.
- Prepare an emergency kit including food, water, road flares, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
- Chart your route ahead of time. Decide how you’re going to get to your destination using the ADOT resources listed above and have an alternative route handy in case conditions change. You may want to download directions onto your phone before embarking or bring a paper map or directions in case cell phone service is disrupted.
Injured in a Labor Day Traffic Accident?
Sometimes, even the most careful of drivers get into car accidents due to the negligence of another driver. If you or a loved one are injured in a Labor Day traffic accident then rest assured that Rowe Injury Attorneys will be available day or night during the holiday weekend should you need legal assistance after a crash.
Contact one of our offices located conveniently throughout Arizona to schedule a free consultation regarding your case. Our experienced and compassionate team will review your case at no charge and provide you with all your legal options.You can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at one of the numbers listed below, talk with a representative online using our LiveChat feature, or send us a message through our secure contact form. Thanks to the outstanding case results we’ve won for our clients and an unmatched commitment to customer service, Lerner and Rowe has become one of the most trusted personal injury firms in Arizona. Give us a call today and you’ll quickly find out why.