Gas prices broke record highs for the first quarter of the year, putting strain on many household budgets, but that won’t stop the large number of Americans who can’t wait to get out of town and travel this holiday weekend. Nationwide, about 30.7 million people are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend. That represents a 1.2 percent increase over 2011. Traffic on Dothan roads and highways will be heavier than usual, and that means police will be out and about, checking everything from seatbelts to impaired drivers.
To avoid an accident or ticket this holiday weekend, try to be extra cautious, and expect traffic congestion. Allow extra time to get to your destination, since back-ups are inevitable with so many motorists on the roads. Read-end collisions caused primarily by distracted driving, speeding, and following too closely are the most common accidents that occur in heavy traffic.
With the large number of motorists traveling through Alabama, police will be closely monitoring for drunk drivers. Memorial Day is commonly celebrated with parties and barbeques, and alcohol is often part of the festivities. Police will be out in force, cracking down on suspicious drivers. With extra officers on the streets, it is a good idea to have a designated driver if you will be drinking.
If you are arrested for driving under the influence, whether it is over the holiday weekend or at any time, you need a sophisticated criminal defense attorney on your side. An experienced lawyer will work hard to keep you out of court and perhaps get the charges against you dropped altogether.
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!
