Labor Day Safety Tips
The “unofficial” end of summer, also known as Labor Day holiday weekend, is almost here. Millions of Californians will hit the road this holiday to visit family and friends or spend a fun day at the beach. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest times for drivers – and also one of the most dangerous. Whether you plan on traveling this holiday or staying home, it’s important to follow important Labor Day safety tips to ensure you have a fun and safe time.
Labor Day Weekend Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), an estimated 455 drivers may be killed on U.S. roads over this Labor Day holiday. Along with other summer holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day, Labor Day weekend sees one of the biggest spikes in motor vehicle fatalities per day. Car travel has the highest mortality rate of any other mode of transportation. Labor Day also sees an increase in fatal drunk driving crashes.
How to Have a Safe Holiday Weekend
Many families are either hitting the road or staying local this weekend. The personal injury lawyers at Sierra Accident Lawyers want you to have a happy and safe long weekend, so here are 8 Labor Day safety tips to follow!
1. Buckle Up
Wearing a seat belt is not only your single most important protection in a crash, it is also required by law in California. Always buckle up, even if you are driving a short distance, because many car accidents happen within a mile from home. Seat belts keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle and prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle in an accident. Make sure children and pets are properly secured and buckled in.
2. Don’t Text and Drive
Distracted driving is one of the greatest dangers for drivers, especially teen drivers. If you are a parent of a teen driver, remind them to stay focused and alert on the road and put away their phones. Teen drivers are forbidden from using any handheld or hands free device while driving, while drivers over the age of 18 cannot use a handheld device. Keeping your eyes on the road and obeying the speed limit ensures your safety as well as the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
3. Swim Safe
With the warm summer sun, many people choose to go to the beach or pool on Labor Day. For beachgoers, it is important to be aware of the dangers of rip currents, which are powerful currents of water flowing away from shore. Before heading out, check your local beach conditions and see if there is a high risk of rip currents. Swimming pools also present a danger, especially to small children. Drowning is one of the top causes of death for young children ages 1 to 4. Surround your pool with fencing, always supervise children, and never leave them unattended near water.
4. Grill Safely
Labor Day is a great time to fire up the grill for hamburgers and hotdogs. However, an average of 22,155 people were sent to the emergency room for grilling injuries from 2017 to 2021. Many of the injuries are thermal burns, and nearly half of those injured were children under 5 years old. Gas and charcoal grills are also responsible for thousands of house fires. If you plan to grill this weekend, place the grill well away from the home, keep it away from children and pets, and never leave the grill unattended. If you are planning a camping trip, keep these grill tips in mind, as well as food safety with raw meat.
5. Use Sunscreen and Stay Hydrated
Temperatures are at their highest in summer, especially in Southern California. If you plan to be outside, always wear sunscreen on your face and body, and reapply every two hours to avoid sunburn. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and protection against UVA and UVB rays. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid strenuous activities in hot weather, as you run the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
6. No Fireworks
Every year, thousands of people are injured in firework-related accidents. Fireworks also start an average of 19,000 fires per year. As a result, the city of Rancho Cucamonga has banned the use of all fireworks. Possession or use of fireworks will result in a $1,000 fine. “Safe and sane” fireworks are only allowed in certain cities in San Bernardino County including Adelanto, Chino, Colton, Needles and Rialto.
7. Drink Alcohol in Moderation
Excessive alcohol is not only harmful to your health, it is also extremely dangerous when you get behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on average 37 people a day die in drunk driving crashes – and that number is likely to increase over the Labor Day weekend, as more people are out celebrating and drinking. If you are planning to drive, ride a bicycle, or walk, do not drink any alcohol. If you are staying home, drink in moderation. That’s two drinks or less per day for men and one drink or less per day for women.
8. Bike and Walk With Caution
It isn’t just drivers who need to stay safe on the road. Bicyclists and pedestrians must also take extra precautions over the three-day weekend. Texting, talking, walking or biking while intoxicated, and not following the rules of the road all put those walking or biking at a higher risk of a serious accident with a motor vehicle. Pedestrians should walk on sidewalks whenever they are available and only cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Bicyclists should respect stop signs and lights and ride in the same direction of traffic.
About Sierra Accident Lawyers
At Sierra Accident Lawyers, we are more than just a personal injury law firm. We are a family of dedicated and compassionate lawyers who serve Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino County. We are experienced in all types of personal injury claims, from bicycle collisions to workers’ comp. Our firm maintains a 99% success rate and will help you get maximum compensation for your injuries. If you were injured in a Labor Day accident due to negligence, give us a call at (909) 942-7632 to set up a free consultation.
