Labor Day is one of the busiest days to travel because families around the country use the three-day weekend to visit loved ones before school obligations and sports practice take over the calendar. According to USA TODAY, there is a significant increase in both air travel and highway congestion on Labor Day weekend.

Unfortunately, more congestion invariably leads to more collisions, so if you are planning a holiday road trip, you need to be especially vigilant. In addition to seeing more drowsy and distracted drivers on the roads, you can expect to encounter more drunk drivers over the long weekend.

If you do wind up in an accident with a negligent motorist, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC to discuss your case and determine the best way to proceed. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation with an Albuquerque head injury attorney.

Read on to learn how you can reduce the risk of sustaining injuries in a collision over Labor Day weekend:

  1. Maintain Your Vehicle

According to Bankrate, poorly maintained vehicles are responsible for thousands of wrecks every year and cause $2 billion in damages annually. Even if you are only planning on traveling a short distance, make sure your vehicle is in good condition before you hit the road.

You can start by checking your fluid levels and tire pressure. If it has been a while since you last serviced your car, consider bringing it to the mechanic for a tune-up.

  1. Travel at Strategic Times

If you can hit the road before rush hour on Friday, you will avoid a lot of the usual holiday traffic. When driving on Monday, try to avoid the highway between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. because that is when most people will be heading home.

  1. Minimize Distractions

Plan your route ahead of time so you will not have to adjust the GPS while you are traveling. If you are driving with friends, let someone else choose the music and adjust the climate controls.

  1. Avoid Drinking and Driving

This may be an obvious tip, but it is worth repeating since a lot of people like to relax with a few drinks over Labor Day weekend. If you are planning to go out with friends, designate a driver before the festivities begin.

  1. Follow All Traffic Laws

Stick to the posted speed limit and make it a point to drive in a predictable manner. When other motorists can anticipate your next move, you are much less likely to cause a collision.

Sadly, even if you follow all traffic laws, you cannot rely on others to do the same. If you are injured in an accident with a reckless driver over Labor Day weekend, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC.

Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation with an Albuquerque back injury lawyer. To learn more about car accident claims in New Mexico, visit usattorneys.com/car-accident/new-mexico.