How to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend Safely in Virginia

AAA Mid-Atlantic predicts that almost 1.2 million Virginians will travel 50 miles or more over Memorial Day weekend this year. A spokesperson for the agency wrote in a news release that “the roads of Virginia will be very busy this weekend with holiday travelers, which means there’s a more significant potential for crashes.”

At Wind Law, LLC, our Virginia personal injury attorney and law firm founder, Ryan E. Wind, knows our roadways are not the only places where accidents, injuries, and even fatalities occur over Memorial Day weekend. Below, we’d like to offer some safety tips for travelers, whether on the road or the water, in hopes that everyone can stay safe during a very busy time in Virginia.

How to Stay Safe on Virginia Roadways Over Memorial Day Weekend

Get plenty of rest before traveling: The first step in any safe trip is getting plenty of rest before going on a long drive. Studies suggest that drivers who sleep less than six hours a night significantly increase their risk of being involved in a crash.

Inspect your vehicle: Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition before setting out on your journey. Check the brakes, tires, lights, and fluids to reduce the risk of mechanical failures. Faulty vehicle components contribute to roughly 20% of all automobile accidents, many of which could be completely avoided with proper maintenance.

Employ safe driving practices: Limit distractions, obey the speed limit, and buckle up everyone in the vehicle before you set out. Engaging in these safe driving practices are known to drastically reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Distracted drivers alone are attributed with more than 8% of traffic fatalities, while wearing a seatbelt conversely reduces the risk of critical injury by 60%.

In a recent seat belt survey, more than 18% of Virginians still don’t wear their seat belt. In Virginia last year, 5,427 unrestrained people were involved in crashes. There were 3,702 unrestrained injuries and 375 deaths involving unrestrained people.

Designate a sober driver: If you plan to consume alcohol or drugs, designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation such as taxis or ridesharing services. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as impaired driving significantly increases the risk of accidents.

Share the road: Be mindful of other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Give them plenty of space and always yield the right of way when required.

Be patient: Finally, remember Memorial Day weekend brings increased traffic congestion and delays. Practice patience and remain calm behind the wheel, avoiding aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or weaving between lanes.

How to Stay Safe on Virginia Waterways Over Memorial Day Weekend

Virginia has over 100,000 miles of rivers and streams, 248 public lakes, and over 120 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline. Whether you are fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just going for a swim, staying safe on the water during a busy holiday weekend is paramount to having a fun and incident-free experience.

The first tip is always to wear a properly fitting life jacket when boating or participating in water sports. Ensure that life jackets are Coast Guard-approved and appropriate for each individual’s size and weight.

Next:

• Know Navigation Rules

Familiarize yourself with Virginia’s boating laws and navigation rules, including right-of-way regulations, navigation markers, and speed limits. Understanding and following these rules can prevent accidents and conflicts on the water.

• Boat Sober

Just like driving a car, operating a boat while sober is essential. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents on the water.

• Be Weather Aware

Check the weather forecast before heading out on the water, and be prepared for changing conditions. Avoid boating in inclement weather, including thunderstorms, high winds, or rough waters.

• File a Float Plan

Let someone know your boating plans, including your intended route and expected return time. This information can be crucial in an emergency or if you fail to return as planned.

• Maintain Safe Speeds

Operate your boat safely and reasonably, especially in crowded areas, near docks, or restricted zones. Be mindful of wake zones and adjust your speed accordingly to minimize the risk of collisions and accidents.

• Avoid Overloading

Do not exceed your boat’s maximum capacity for passengers and cargo. Overloading can affect stability and buoyancy, increasing the risk of capsizing or swamping.

• Stay Alert and Vigilant

Watch for other boats, swimmers, and obstacles in the water. Assign a designated lookout to watch for hazards while the boat is in motion.

• Learn Basic First Aid

Take a basic first aid and CPR course to be prepared to respond to emergencies on the water. Knowing how to administer first aid can significantly affect the outcome of an accident or medical emergency, as it may take first responders longer to get to the scene of a boating accident.

Following these safety tips and exercising caution while boating can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend on Virginia’s waterways.

Contact Our Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyer Today

While we hope you do not need us this Memorial Day weekend or any time, if you have been injured in an accident on land or water caused by negligence, contact our dedicated personal injury attorney in Richmond, Virginia, today to discuss your case during a free consultation. We want to hear your story to ensure your voice is heard and work diligently to guarantee you are treated fairly and get justice in your case.