Santa Barbara Memorial Day Travel Tips

I’m Ed Smith, a Santa Barbara car accident lawyer. Many people in Southern California are going to be on the move during the Memorial Day weekend. With the price of gasoline almost the lowest it has been since 2009, 2.52 million Southern Californians are expected to be on the roads over the holiday. This is a 2.9 percent increase over the previous year, so it pays to use safety precautions to avoid accidents.

How Are People Traveling Over the Memorial Day Weekend?

AAA is expecting that the highest number of people will be traveling over the holiday since 2005. Besides those taking to the road in motor vehicles, those traveling by bus, train, RV or other type of surface travel are predicted to number about 197,000, almost 5 percent over the previous year. The numbers for those traveling by air is going up too, by 6.5 percent, to 300,000, according to the Auto Club of Southern California.

Where Are the Most Common Destinations?

Las Vegas is the number one destination for residents of So. Cal, followed by San Diego, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. Whether the distance traveled is close by or farther away, a few tips on driving safety can help.

Driving Tips for the Memorial Day Weekend

Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition for a trip. According to the Federal Highway Traffic Safety Administration, getting a tune up, checking the battery and fluids in the car and having the tires rotated and checking the air in them can help prevent breakdowns on the road. Also, check your lights to make sure they are in good working order.
Avoid risky behaviors when driving. In other words, no drinking while driving, obey traffic laws and avoid distractions such as eating in the car or using a cell phone while driving.
Keep a proper distance from the vehicle ahead of yours. The California Department of Motor Vehicles states that a driver needs a gap of at least four seconds to merge. Always signal before passing and allow plenty of room. Never pass when there is no clear view of oncoming traffic, and remember that 10-12 seconds is needed to pass on a highway at highway speeds.
Be alert to vehicles near you and what they are doing by scanning and don’t stare at the road straight ahead. Remember that it takes about 400 feet for a vehicle that is traveling 55 mph to stop.
When small children are traveling in the car, double-check the installation of car and booster seats, and check that the restraining straps are in good condition.

Santa Barbara Car Accident Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Santa Barbara car accident lawyer. Car accidents and the resulting expenses can devastate a family and cause traumatic injuries or wrongful death when caused by negligence. When you need help, call me at (805) 372-0200 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly, free advice.

Million Dollar Advocates Forum is a group I belong to that has members who have obtained a minimum of $1 million in settlements and verdicts.

Find reviews on my law practice at Yelp, Google and Avvo. Information on previous cases and settlements can be found at settlements and verdicts.

Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/highway-jam-road-roadway-1929866/

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Santa Barbara Memorial Day Travel Tips