As the Memorial Day Weekend approaches, it is vital that drivers and passengers in Modesto wear their seat belts every time they get in a vehicle. Typically, holidays are times when law enforcement steps up seat belt vigilance with "Click It or Ticket" programs that target drivers who aren't buckled up. This is because the holidays are times when the numbers of drunk and distracted drivers increases to year-high levels.
According to AAA, more than 32.1 million Americans will travel over Memorial Day weekend this year. This number is up 5.4% from 2009. With busy roadways and possibly messy weather conditions in parts of the country, seat belt safety should be a top priority. And it's not enough to simply rely on air bags, says the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. According to the NHTSA, "If you don't wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag; a movement of such force could injure or even kill you." Passengers in the back seat are similarly in danger from side-impact air bags as well. Seat belts saved over 13,000 lives in the U.S. in 2008 alone, cites the NHTSA.
Memorial Day is also a time when many people take buses and trains to destinations throughout the country. Boats, motorcycles and ATVs are also popular recreational vehicles used around Memorial Day and through the summer months. While all of these forms of transportation can be safe, there are inevitably going to be accidents. It pays to safeguard yourself and your family by buckling up whenever and however you travel.
If you or someone you love is hurt in an accident, you must talk to a qualified Modesto personal injury attorney right away. An attorney can listen to your case and evaluate whether or not you may be able to collect damages for your injuries. Holidays are great times of the year, but it's always important to keep safety in mind at all times.
