Labor Day Crash Risks Remain High in Maine

Some media reports have indicated that steadily rising gas prices and an overall economy that continues to flounder will stall Labor Day travel plans in Maine and across the country.

Not so, says the American Auto Association.

Bangor car accident lawyers understand that the reality is, travel is going to be up nearly 3 percent from what it was last year. It’s going to the highest Labor Day traffic volume since prior to the recession began churning in 2008.

Boston residents are being told to expect travel to outer New England to take twice as long as normal this weekend.

AAA reports that even though most Americans are on a tight budget, they’re making holiday travel a priority, although most people are going to be traveling by car rather than airplane. (Booked flights are down almost 4 percent from last year.)

Labor Day weekend, which begins Thursday, Aug. 30, and stretches through Monday, Sept. 3, is going to make for crowded roadways. It’s estimated that across the country, some 33 million Americans have Labor Day plans. That’s more than 10 percent.

Last year, the Maine Journal and the Bangor Daily News reported a slew of Labor Day injuries and deaths across the state, including:

• A 19-year-old driver and an 18-year-old passenger who were transported to the hospital after the driver struck a guardrail on the turnpike;

A motorcyclist and passenger both broke legs when the driver ran a stop sign and were struck by a car;

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A 51-year-old man was charged with OUI and possession of methamphetamine after he struck another vehicle head on, killing one person and injuring two more

A 12-year-old boy was seriously injured after being struck by an SUV;

A 19-year-old was killed when he was ejected from a pick-up truck that rolled over in Hudson;

A 48-year-old woman was found dead in her vehicle after crashing into the ocean in Lamoine;

That’s just a sampling, but it’s important to illustrate why safer driving habits must be adopted by everyone – and now is a good time to start. Labor Day essentially marks the beginning of fall, which will mean dipping temperatures, slower, sight-seeing drivers checking out the changing leaves and eventually, nasty winter weather.

Observing safer habits now could save your life.

• As you head out this weekend to join the party, some things to keep in mind:

Don’t drink and drive. Not only is it likely to result in an arrest, due to increased patrols and DUI checkpoints throughout the country, you could seriously injure or kill someone.

Give yourself plenty of time, so you’re not tempted to speed.

Keep an eye out for pedestrians. Particularly if you are in the suburbs or a rural area, keep in mind there may be fewer safe places to cross the street.

Allow a safe distance between your vehicle and others, particularly larger SUVs, trucks, etc.

If you are the victim of a Maine car accident, contact us at 1-800-804-2004 or read more on our website.

Additional Resources:
Despite Sluggish Economy Americans Continue to Prioritize Holiday Travel, AAA Says, By Cynthia Brough, AAA Public Relations

More Blog Entries:
Congress Funds Safe Driving Initiatives in Portland, elsewhere, July 10, 2012, Bangor Car Accident Lawyer Blog