On behalf of our team here at CD Law, we want to wish you a happy and safe Memorial Day. We want to take this time to honor and remember the brave service members and veterans who gave their lives defending our country. Their legacy should always be remembered.
Enjoying the Holiday Safely
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and millions of Americans celebrate by heading to the beach, camping in national parks, or simply using the extra day off to visit family and friends. It’s a weekend of fun…but it’s also one of the most dangerous weekends of the year for travel.
High Risk Travel Weekend
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), this year, an estimated 45.1 million Americans will travel over the Memorial Day Weekend, with more than 39 million of them traveling by car. With so many vehicles on the road, the risk of accidents increases significantly. The NSC predicts over 443 traffic deaths and approximately 50,600 injuries nationwide this weekend. These numbers are up 6% from last year and are a reminder to always stay alert and travel safely.
And it’s not just drivers that need to be cautious. Traffic deaths and injuries refer to accidents involving all types of road users which includes pedestrians, bicyclists and more.
Why Is the Risk Higher on Holidays?
Holidays often mean celebrations, and unfortunately that can include impaired driving. Alcohol, drugs and fatigue can all contribute to poor decision making behind the wheel. Add in increased traffic and long-distance driving and the potential for serious accidents rises quickly.
To help keep you and your loved ones safe this Memorial Day, here are a few essential driving safety tips from American Red Cross:
- Drive defensively: Always wear your seatbelt, designate a sober driver, get enough rest and avoid distractions.
- Prepare your vehicle: Inspect your tires, check the oil and confirm your emergency kit is fully stocked.
- Avoid impairment: Remember that drugs and alcohol, including certain prescription medications, can impair your driving ability.
- Monitor your speed: Obey posted speed limits and adjust your speed based on weather and traffic conditions.
- Stay focused: Put your phone out of reach and minimize distractions to keep your attention on the road.
- Check the back seat: Always double-check your vehicle before locking it to ensure no children or pets are left behind.
Seat Belts Save Lives
Seat belts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce risk in a vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shares that seat belts are 45% effective in preventing fatalities among front seat passengers. In fact, it’s estimated that 159 lives may be saved this weekend due to seat belt use. In 2023, 48% of those who died in vehicle crashes over Memorial Day weekend weren’t wearing seat belts.
Make Safety a Priority
Miguel Custodio of CD Law says, “We don’t share these statistics to scare anyone, we share them to raise awareness. The reality is, Memorial Day weekend brings a sharp increase in serious accidents every year. Our goal is to help people realize the risks so they can make safer choices and avoid becoming part of those tragic numbers.”
At CD Law, we’ve seen the impact of motor vehicle accidents on families time and time again. While we’re here to help if something goes wrong, we’d much rather see you enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday weekend. Whether you’re hitting the road, hosting a BBQ, or just visiting a loved one, please take extra precautions, and encourage others to do the same! Reach out to our team if you need help with an accident claim.
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June 09, 2025