Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, a time for barbeques, family gatherings, and enjoying the great outdoors. Many residents of the Quad Cities embrace this long weekend by hitting the road for road trips or taking to the water for boating adventures. While excitement fills the air, it’s crucial to prioritize safety over Memorial weekend to ensure a happy and healthy holiday. 

To help you prepare, look at these must-read tips from your Quad Cities personal injury lawyers before you hit the road or water. 

How to Increase Your Road Trip Safety Over Memorial Weekend 

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), approximately 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend. This is the highest number of holiday road travelers since AAA began tracking these statistics in 2000. With a surge in traffic comes an increased risk of accidents. Here are some essential tips to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road:

• Buckle Up, Everyone: This may seem like common sense, but it’s worth reiterating. Seat belts are your first line of defense in a crash. Ensure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up properly, regardless of the distance traveled.
• Don’t Drive Distracted: Texting, talking on the phone (even hands-free), or eating while driving significantly increases your risk of an accident. Put your phone away and designate a passenger to handle distractions.
• Share the Road: Be courteous to other drivers. Maintain a safe following distance, avoid aggressive driving, and obey all traffic laws.
• Plan Your Route & Check Conditions: Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with your route and check for any potential delays due to construction or accidents. Utilize traffic apps and weather forecasts to plan accordingly to improve your and any passengers’ safety over Memorial Day weekend.
• Appointed Driver, Designated Rest: If traveling long distances, designate a responsible driver or plan rest stops every few hours. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving and can result in life-altering or fatal injuries.

Boater Beware: Water Safety Over Memorial Weekend 

The Quad Cities offer beautiful water trails perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports. However, accidents can happen quickly on the water. Here are some essential safety tips for boaters:

• Life Jackets for All: This is the law in Iowa and Illinois, and for good reason. Ensure everyone on board has a properly fitted life jacket and knows how to wear it correctly.
• Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is Illegal: Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. If you plan on drinking, designate a sober skipper.
• Be Weather Wise: Always check weather reports before heading out on the water. Avoid boating during storms or when strong winds are present.
• Boating Education: Taking a boating safety course in Iowa and Illinois can equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate safely and respond to emergencies.
• Beware of Collisions: Maintain a safe distance from other boats, swimmers, and obstacles. Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions and fatal boating accidents.

When Accidents Happen During Your Memorial Vacation

Despite our best efforts to improve personal safety over Memorial weekend, accidents can still occur. If you are involved in a car crash or boating accident this Memorial Day weekend in Quad Cities, here’s what to do:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. If you or anyone involved is injured, seek medical attention immediately.
• Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident, including damage to vehicles or boats and any injuries sustained.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact information with all parties involved, including witnesses.
• Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham that serves Moline, Bettendorf, Rock Island, or Davenport to discuss your legal options.

We’re Here to Help When You Get Injured Over Memorial Weekend 

Remember, a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend starts with prioritizing safety on the road and water. By following these tips and being prepared for the unexpected, you can create lasting memories with your loved ones. However, if you get hurt, our Quad Cities legal team has over 120 combined years of experience providing top legal representation. 

Here at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial burden an injury can cause. We also offer free consultations to discuss your injury claim and explore potential options for recovering just compensation for your auto collision or boating accident injuries. Our representatives can be reached at (309) 794-1515 and online through LiveChat or encrypted contact form. 

The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.