Latest Blogs

Labor Day Weekend is here!  According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), this year the weekend is a five-day weekend - Thursday, August 28 through Monday, September 1 which is longer than in years past. 

Many consider this the "last hurrah" of summer as young people return to school, many businesses close for the long weekend, and everyone looks forward to having a good time and "taking it easy".

" 'Taking it easy' means more than just relaxing.  It means being careful when traveling on the road and when enjoying the holiday on the water," says Lee County Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Motor Travel:

AAA is projecting that 34.7 million will travel 50 miles or more away from home during this weekend, with car travel leading the way with nearly 86 percent, or 29.7 million.  This represents the second highest volume since 2003. 

The National Safety Council (NSC) is estimating 405 fatalities over the holiday weekend this year. The NSC recommends:

• If you are drinking, do not drive.
• If you plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver or plan for alternative transportation, such as a taxi.
• Support the strengthening and vigorous enforcement of impaired-driving laws.
• Young drivers are at particular risk to be involved in alcohol-related crashes (If there is a young driver in your family, strictly enforce a zero tolerance policy with alcohol – all states have a zero tolerance law where drivers under the age of 21 cannot have any alcohol in their systems).
• Your best defense against a drunk driver is wearing your safety belt, so buckle up.

There are a number of other dangers to Labor Day weekend drivers besides impaired driving. Follow these additional tips to stay safe:

• Establish and enforce a driver’s distraction-free zone, especially in cars equipped with electronic devices including cell phones, video games and global positioning systems.
• Make sure all passengers are buckled up and children are in safety seats appropriate for their size.
• Allow plenty of travel time to avoid frustration and diminish the impulse to speed.
• Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during inclement weather.

Boating:

With a long weekend comes more time for boating.  It is expected that this Labor Day Weekend will be no exception. With more boat traffic, comes more potential for boating accidents. When boating, the consumption of alcohol should not be part of the experience. Further, the U.S. Coast Guard urges boaters to follow a few simple rules when boating:

• Check the weather before you go out.
• Tell someone where you are going.
• Wear life jackets
• Carry a radio in case you need to call for assistance.

"We, at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend.  Enjoy and 'Take It Easy'," says Attorney Spivey.

Lee County Personal Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.