With Labor Day falling on Sept. 7, the coming days mark a long weekend for many New Yorkers. For some, that means hitting the road to take a vacation. With an increase in traffic on our roads, there will also be an increased risk of motor vehicle collisions. Many causes of accidents are preventable. Here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of a crash this Labor Day weekend:
- Maintain your vehicle- Before leaving on your trip, make sure the tires on your vehicle have enough tread and that the brakes are functioning properly. Any mechanical issues should be addressed before a long drive.
- Buckle up- Wearing a seat belt and restraining children in safety and booster seats significantly reduces the chances of injury or death in the event of an accident, so always use these lifesaving devices.
- Don’t drink and drive- Drunk driving contributes to roughly 30 percent of New York highway fatalities. That’s why the New York State Police have announced they will be increasing their presence with sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols. Their hope is that their efforts will deter intoxicated motorists from getting behind the wheel. The New Rochelle Patch reports the campaign will run until the end of Labor Day.
- Eliminate distractions- Driver inattention is becoming a leading cause of motor vehicle collisions as well, so it’s important to put down all electronic devices while driving and refrain from eating or drinking behind the wheel.