TAKING A MEMORIAL DAY ROAD TRIP? HOW TO AVOID A CAR ACCIDENT ON THIS DANGEROUS DRIVING WEEKEND

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, and travel this year is expected to hit an all-time high. AAA predicts a record 34.9 people nationwide traveling by car between Thursday, May 22 and Monday, May 26, almost 1 million more than last year. In addition, 1.2 million Michiganders will take car trips of 50 miles or more to celebrate the holiday. While a weekend getaway is a great way to start the summer, heavier traffic and increased incidents of reckless driving behaviors such as drinking and speeding make Memorial Day one of the deadliest holidays for motorists, according to data from the National Safety Council.

While we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one is injured in a crash.

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WHEN ARE THE BEST TIMES TO DRIVE DURING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND?

If you are traveling by car this weekend, leaving early in the day on Thursday or Friday helps avoid rush hour congestion. On Sunday and Monday, driving home in the morning or evening allows you to bypass peak afternoon traffic.   

Here are the best and worst times to travel by car during Memorial Day weekend according to transportation data provider INRIX:

Recommended reading: Is It Important to Obtain a Police Report After a Michigan Car Accident?

AVOID DANGEROUS DISTRACTIONS WHILE DRIVING

Distracted driving-related accidents continue to rise, despite the 2023 law banning the use of hand-held cell phones in Michigan.

Anything that takes a driver’s hands, eyes or mind off the road is considered a distraction, and visual-manual activities, such as texting, are the most dangerous. Studies show that taking your eyes and attention off the road for five seconds at 55 mph is comparable to driving the length of an entire football field blindfolded.

In addition, the brain remains distracted for 27 seconds after interruptions such as texting using voice commands, making or answering a call or changing a radio station.

While cell phones are the most common distraction, drivers should also avoid the following activities:  

• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming, shaving or putting on makeup
• Reading, including maps
• Programming a navigation system
• Changing the radio station
• Listening to loud music
• Attending to children
• Bending down to retrieve an object from the floor

Recommended reading: New Michigan Law Prohibits Hand-Held Cell Phones

IT’S “CLICK IT OR TICKET” TIME IN MICHIGAN

Drivers who don’t wear seat belts are risking their safety as well as a hefty traffic fine, especially during Michigan’s annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Running through June 1, Michigan State Police will join county and local law officers in a statewide effort to enforce seat belt laws. Motorists seen driving without seat belts will be stopped and ticketed.

Approximately half of the people killed in traffic crashes were not wearing seat belts, according to the most recent NHTSA data. Further, 60 percent of young adults (18 to 34) who died in car accidents were unbuckled, more than any other age group.

Multiple traffic safety studies show seat belts and car seats save lives and help prevent serious injuries. In Michigan, drivers, front-seat passengers and anyone 15 or younger (in any seat position) must wear a seat belt.

DRUNK/DRUGGED DRIVING IS DEADLY AND ILLEGAL

Drugs and alcohol are a major factor in traffic crashes resulting in serious injury and death. According to recent statistics from Michigan State Police, 272 (26.6 percent) of the year’s 1,021 fatal crashes were alcohol-related, involving at least one drinking driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian.

Additionally, 230 (22.5 percent) of those fatal crashes were drug-related, involving at least one drugged operator, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Of those accidents, 98 (42.6 percent) also involved alcohol.

According to Michigan law, it is illegal for anyone over 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. The legal limit for individuals under 21 is .02.

Although using marijuana is legal in Michigan, it is against the law to drive under the influence of marijuana or any drug that compromises driving capacity. Having a valid medical marijuana card does not exempt a driver from being arrested and charged if a law enforcement officer can prove the drug has impaired their ability to drive.

Additionally, drivers with any amount of a Schedule 1 controlled substance and/or cocaine are subject to the same fines and penalties as drunk drivers, even if they show no signs of impairment.

Recommended reading: Michigan Marijuana Laws

DOES MICHIGAN NO-FAULT INSURANCE COVER OUT-OF-STATE ACCIDENTS?

Generally, yes. According to Michigan law (MCL 500.3111), victims are eligible for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for accidents within the United States, its territories and possessions or Canada when the victim is:

• The named insured person under a Michigan No-Fault policy
• The spouse of a named insured person
• A relative living in the same household
• An occupant of a vehicle involved in the accident as long as:
  • The victim resides in Michigan, or
  • The owner or registrant of the vehicle is covered under a Michigan No-Fault policy

Therefore, an out-of-state resident who is injured while driving or riding in a vehicle insured by a Michigan No-Fault policy may be entitled to PIP benefits under the policy covering the vehicle.

Recommended reading: Is It Important to Obtain a Police Report After a Michigan Car Accident?

MORE TIPS FOR A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE MEMORIAL WEEKEND

• Plan your route and program the navigation system before leaving home
• Check brakes, tires, fuel levels, lights and other components to ensure your vehicle is ready for the road
• Pack an auto emergency kit that includes a flashlight, blankets, flares, first aid supplies, water, non-perishable snacks and other necessary items
• Expect traffic to be heavier than usual and allow extra time to reach your destination
• Stay calm when encountering traffic back-ups and unexpected detours
• Use a navigation app that includes up-to-date traffic and road conditions, such as Waze
• Stop when you are tired or need a break
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Drive at the posted speed limit or slower when weather or road conditions are hazardous
• Avoid using a hand-held cell phone or engaging in other distracting activities behind the wheel

Recommended reading: Do You Need A Lawyer For A Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault?

CALL OUR EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TO WIN THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE

While we wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend, even the most cautious driver can be involved in an accident. If you or a loved one is injured in a crash, we can help. Our experienced car accident lawyers have the skills, knowledge and resources to achieve the most successful financial outcome for you and your family.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right car accident lawyer  is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by clicking on the link below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our experienced legal team.

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