According to the National Safety Council (N.S.C.) an estimated 456 people may die on U.S. roads this Labor Day holiday period. The Labor Day Holiday period begins at 6 p.m., Friday, September 2nd, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 5th.
This blog post offers some tips that can help you prevent injury and have a safe labor day weekend.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Drunk drivers cause approximately 40 percent of vehicle accidents on Labor Day. Around 23 percent of drunk drivers have a Blood Alcohol Content (B.A.C.). This is almost double the legal limit. According to CDOT, approximately 40 percent of vehicle accidents on Labor Day are caused by drunk drivers. Think before you drink this Labor Day Weekend or any weekend for that matter. If you plan on drinking, have a backup plan. Plan with a family member or friend to be a designated driver or put aside extra money for an uber for a safe ride home.
Don’t Drink and Boat
While it is not illegal to have alcohol on a boat in Colorado, driving or boating while under the influence is prohibited. Those who decide to break this law can risk the safety of those on board. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating deaths. This does not mean you should be opening up a cold alcoholic beverage as you are behind the wheel. So while boating with friends and family often means a time to relax and enjoy a nice day on the water.
Buckle Up
More than half of teens and adults who died in a car accident were not wearing seat belts. In combination with safe driving, meaning no texting or speeding, Buckling up helps prevent deadly auto accidents. If an accident does occur and you sustain an injury, you may receive less of a settlement because you weren’t wearing a seat belt. Colorado is a state that follows comparative negligence, meaning you may be held accountable for some damages because you weren’t buckled up and protecting yourself. The same rule would apply if the other driver weren’t wearing a seat belt, and it could be proven. This holiday weekend you must buckle up to avoid injury.
Firework Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks were reported to local fire departments in the U.S. in 2018. These fires caused five civilian deaths. 46 civilian injuries and $105 million in direct property damage in the United States were also reported. These fires are not only caused by commercial/consumer fireworks but also by unregulated novelty fireworks. Unregulated fireworks can be purchased at local supermarkets. A report issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission noted that children under the age of 15 accounted for nearly a third of fireworks-related injuries that were treated in emergency rooms in 2016. Young people in general (those 24 or younger) seem to be the most at-risk group for injury. While most firework activity occurs during the 4th of July, Labor Day weekend is also typical for firework activity and you and your family should take the necessary precautions.
At Cave Law, we want you to enjoy your Labor Day weekend as safely as possible. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident, we have a team of expert personal injury attorneys who are ready to help. We value our clients and handle all cases with utmost care and professionalism. Ensure you reach out today to speak to a specialized lawyer with years of experience in the field. Contact Us Today.
