Memorial Day Weekend is a Dangerous Time for Drivers
It is commonly accepted that the police will be out patrolling over a holiday weekend. Many think of this as a massive inconvenience as they must watch how they drive. Rather than getting to their destinations as quickly as possible to begin relaxing and enjoying the day, they must worry about speed traps. But the police are out not as an inconvenience, but to help protect citizens from dangerous drivers and serious car accidents.
Holidays are some of the busiest and most dangerous times on the road. CBS News reports Memorial Day weekend is one of the deadliest weekends of the year for drivers. Hundreds die annually due to car accidents oftentimes involving drunk driving. Almost 400 people died in car crashes over Memorial Day weekend 2010 (the most recent data available). The other major summer holidays, Independence Day and Labor Day, along with Thanksgiving round out the top four deadliest weekends on the road.
Drunk driving is more prevalent during holiday times as people celebrate. On average, about 40 percent of holiday car accidents are caused by drunk driving. Most accidents occur on smaller, two-lane roads. Additionally, rain and other adverse weather conditions increase risks. With a chance of thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday, Tampa Bay drivers should be hyper vigilant when driving this Memorial Day weekend.
