Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Unfortunately, it is also the holiday with the highest alcohol-impaired traffic fatality rate – more than July 4 or New Year’s Eve. Keep the following tips in mind for protecting yourself and your loved ones as you hit the road this Memorial Day weekend.

Use Your Seat Belt

Failure to use a seat belt is one of the leading causes of fatalities in motor vehicle accidents. Although required by law, too many people choose to forego seat belts and think, “it won’t happen to me.” Be sure to buckle up this weekend to avoid becoming another tragic statistic.

Don’t Speed

When in doubt, slow down. Speeding is the cause of more than 25% of car crash fatalities. Slow down, follow the rules of the road, and get to your destination safely.

Designate a Sober Driver

There is nothing wrong with enjoying some alcoholic beverages, but it is important to drink responsibly. Arranging a sober ride home is a crucial element of drinking responsibly. In addition, impaired driving is one of the leading – and most preventable – causes of traffic deaths.

Avoid Distractions

Nothing on your phone screen is worth dying over. Eliminate distractions – of the technological and human variety – this weekend and protect the people you care about the most.

We wish you a happy – and healthy – Memorial Day. We hope you will get to your destination safely and have time to reflect on the sacrifices that made our way of life possible.