If you’re going out of town for the upcoming 4th of July weekend, you’re certainly not alone. Sources are projecting that more than 1.4 million people from Michigan will travel 50 miles or more from their home during Independence Day weekend. That projection is a 1.5% increase from the number of Michiganders who traveled last year and it would be the highest travel volume in Michigan since 2003, when there were nearly 1.5 million travelers. Peak travel times in Michigan will be Friday afternoon and the afternoon on Monday, July 4th as most travelers will be looking to get back home for Tuesday’s workday.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be relieving some of the anticipated traffic this weekend, as they announced this week that MDOT would be removing lane restrictions on more than half of its roads and bridge projects. “Beginning at 3 PM on Friday, July 1, and continuing until 6 AM Tuesday, JUly 5, 102 out of 144 MDOT projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. While motorists will see suspended operations in most MDOT construction zones for the weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations, like temporary shifts or shoulder closures, may remain in place,” an MDOT release explained.
Traffic delays aren’t the only thing drivers should be wary of while traveling this Independence Day weekend. There are few holidays celebrated in the United States that produces as many intoxicated drivers as the 4th of July. In 2015, the Michigan State Police (MSP) made 292 drunk driving arrests over 4th of July weekend alone. The MSP is once again promoting the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign” for the upcoming holiday as a way to step up enforcement of drunk driving laws. During 4th of July weekend in 2014, 164 people were killed in car accidents involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
Save A Life and Don't Let A Friend Drive Drunk
In an effort to curb injuries and fatalities as a result of driving under the influence, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has shared some tips for preventing a friend or family member from driving drunk:
- Be as non-confrontational as possible.
- Suggest alternate ways of getting to their destination such as a cab, sober driver, or using public transportation.
- Remember that the person you are talking to is impaired, so talk a bit more slowly and explain things more fully than if you were speaking to a sober person.
- Suggest that they spend the night.
- If possible, get the person’s keys. It is far easier to persuade the potential driver when you hold his leverage.
- If all else fails, call law enforcement. It’s better to have someone you care about arrested than injured or killed.
When somebody drives while under the influence of alcohol or drugs they are not only putting their own lives on the line, but they are also jeopardizing the lives of every other driver on the road as well. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an auto accident during the holiday weekend which may have been caused by intoxicated or distracted driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work alongside you and get you find solutions for medical services, transportation, wage loss recovery, or pain and suffering. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.