Today we honor and give thanks to those who have served our country and who have died doing so. With gratitude, we remember all who have served.

Memorial Day weekend also symbolically kicks off summer festivities. You may be returning home from your celebration today or setting out for a day in the sun. Either way, it is important to take the necessary steps to keep yourself and those around you safe, especially with extra drivers on the road.

Heavy traffic and anxious drivers out in droves are inevitable, making this a worthy time to remind you of our simple tips for staying safe during holiday driving. Use these tips to maximize the safety of yourself and your passengers, and to decrease the stress of driving this Memorial Day weekend.

Dellino Law Group wishes you an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend and urges you to drive safely.

  • Don’t drink and driveMemorial Day weekend is notorious for BBQs and parties, where alcohol is a common part of the equation. As everyone is out celebrating this weekend, we encourage you to drink responsibly and choose a designated driver. Keep yourself and those around you safe.
  • Make sure the car is readyBe sure your vehicle is properly maintained, in good shape for travel.
  • Map your route out ahead of time when possible. Have a plan and be aware of alternate routes.
  • Buckle upEnsure you and your passengers are properly restrained in seat belts and car safety seats.
  • Have an emergency planHave a cell phone and charger with you so it can be used in case of an emergency. Keep the contact information for emergency roadside assistance handy.
  • Do NOT text while driving and minimize cell phone use in order to keep your full attention on the road. Utilize a hands-free device if you need to use your cell phone.
  • Keep a safe following distanceallowing for ample time to react to the traffic around you. If someone is tailgating you, allow them to pass. Don’t try to compete with impatient and aggressive drivers.
  • Watch your speedDrive to the conditions and don’t drive over the speed limit. Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going so you are not in a rush.
  • Remain calm. If you feel stressed or irritable, take some deep breaths and stay calm. Don’t drive with road rage – This compromises the safety of yourself and the people around you.

If you are celebrating today and alcohol is part of the festivities, please review our essential *TIPS FOR AVOIDING A DUI:

  1. Designate a sober driver. If you are the designated driver, don’t drink.
  2. Plan ahead: Save the number of a taxi or rideshare company in your phone so you will always have a backup plan.
  3. Consider using smartphone apps like Lyft or Uber.
  4. If you have been drinking, don’t drive. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, use a rideshare company, or use public transportation to get home safely.
  5. If you know others who are about to drive under the influence, help them make other arrangements to get home safely.

Remember that a DUI is more than just a party foul. You could be looking at driver’s license suspension, large fines, jail time, the long term impacts of a criminal record, and much worse. You do not want your celebration to be overshadowed by tragedy. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts at risk your own life and the lives of others.

These are significant charges and you should not try to tackle them without experienced counsel to advise you appropriately and advocate on your behalf.