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Labor Day weekend represents the unofficial end of summer for many in the United States. The holiday was originally set to honor workers for their contributions to the prosperity and well-being of our country. Many Americans will celebrate this long holiday weekend attending barbecues, going to beaches and celebrating with friends. 

Traditionally, traffic is heavy on the Labor Day three-day weekend which, this year, runs from 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 1 to midnight Monday, September 4. Since Florida has 4 of the 5 most dangerous roadways (reported in Condé Nast Traveler) running through the state, there is no coincidence that Florida is a high-risk area for accidents on Labor Day weekend. 

In 2016, FIRES (Florida’s Integrated Report Exchange System) showed that 24 people died in traffic crashes, and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) investigated 3,901 traffic crashes resulting in 1,611 injuries over Labor Day weekend. 

What are the three primary causes of accidents over holiday weekends? 

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and other experts report the following primary causes: 

1. Driving under the influence. Every holiday weekend the chances of getting into a drunk-driving accident increases. Roughly 36.3 percent of all accidents that have happened over the Labor Day weekend for the past five years have been attributed to a drunk driver. 

2. One of the most dangerous causes of vehicle accidents is speeding. Speeding increases a driver’s likelihood of getting into a crash, and reduces his/her ability to react quickly to a potential accident. 

3. Reckless driving. Reckless drivers are people who drive with a blatant disregard for the rules of the road. People who change lanes without signaling, ignore traffic signs and lights, and make improper turns are a danger to themselves and their fellow drivers.  

FHP has announced, as part of their "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over“ campaign (August 17 – September 4, 2017) that all uniformed FHP personnel, including those normally assigned to administrative duties, will patrol interstates and other major state roads during the three-day holiday. FHP Auxiliary troopers also will volunteer to augment FHP during the travel period. FHP’s increased presence throughout Florida will deter traffic violators and enhance services to motorists who break down or who need other assistance while traveling. FHP says motorists should call *FHP (*347) if they see an impaired or aggressive driver, or to request roadside assistance. 

How to stay safe on the road this Labor Day weekend? 

Here are some tips from the National Motorists Association and Forbes: 

Buckle up. The NSC estimates that 150 lives will already be saved over the Labor Day holiday weekend because of widespread seatbelt use, though an additional 48 lives could be saved if all drivers and passengers wore safety belts. 

Obey the speed limit: By driving the speed limit, drivers are driving within the flow of traffic. Exceeding the speed limit causes 30 percent of all fatal accidents. 

Do not drink and drive. Think ahead if you plan to consume alcohol. Designate a sober driver and give that person the keys. If you have been drinking, call a taxi; use mass transit, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely. Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the road to law enforcement officials. Do not let friends drive drunk. Take their keys, and help them make safe travel arrangements. 

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., wish everyone a fun and safe Labor Day weekend, and would like to remind you that if you should need legal assistance during this time, our team is ready to respond. We are available 24/7,” said Naples Personal Injury Lawyer, Randall Spivey.

Naples Personal Injury Lawyer, 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.