Labor Day weekend marks an end to the summer for most folks. Many will take the three-day weekend to enjoy summer activities one last time before the brisk, Iowa fall. According to AAA Travel, a projected 34.7 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home this weekend — the highest volume for the holiday since 2008. The Labor Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, August 28 to Monday, September 1.

We at the Beattie Law Firm understand that our streets are going to be packed during this holiday weekend. With more cars on the road, we typically see more car accidents.

To help keep you safe on our roadways, as always, we want to remind you to practice defensive driving. The Labor Day weekend is one of the most common holidays for drunk driving accidents, and with more drivers on the road, the number of distracted drivers may increase.

·       Wear your seatbelt. This is the number-one thing you should do when getting into your car

·       Check your engines. This week’s heat can damage your car. Before you hit the road, make sure your car is in good, working order.

·       Put your phone away. Your call, text and Facebook can wait. If you need to use your phone, play it safe and pull over

·       Designate a sober driver. If you plan to drink, don’t drive. Have a driver lined up if you need to travel.

Make sure your leave for your weekend destination with plenty of time to spare. Our roads are going to be busier. Avoid frustration and look up traffic, road conditions and weather conditions before you you’re your trip. Your safe and responsible driving habits are the key to staying out of a potentially fatal car accident. Happy Labor Day!

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact The Beattie Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation.