Memorial Day weekend is often seen as the unofficial start of summer — a time for cookouts, road trips and family gatherings. But it’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road. With more vehicles, holiday distractions and increased alcohol consumption, the risk of car and truck accidents rises significantly across Illinois and the rest of the country.
At Dinizulu Law Group, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating a holiday weekend crash can be. That’s why we’re sharing key tips to help you stay safe and avoid becoming part of a tragic statistic this Memorial Day.
Why Memorial Day Weekend Is So Risky
The National Safety Council consistently ranks Memorial Day among the deadliest holiday weekends for traffic fatalities. The combination of increased travel, alcohol use, fatigue and distracted driving creates a perfect storm for crashes, especially on highways and interstates.
If you’re traveling across Illinois or just driving locally in Chicago, it’s important to recognize that even short trips can carry risks during high-traffic holidays.
Avoid Peak Travel Times
One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk is by avoiding peak travel times. Roads are often most congested late Friday afternoon and Monday evening, as people leave or return home. Planning ahead can mean the difference between a stress-free ride and sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic surrounded by impatient or reckless drivers.
If you must travel during these windows, leave extra time to reach your destination and be mentally prepared for delays.
Don’t Drive Under the Influence—And Watch for Others Who Might Be
It should go without saying: never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Yet DUI-related crashes continue to spike during Memorial Day weekend. Even if you’re completely sober, the risk doesn’t disappear. Impaired drivers are still out there — and they may be sharing your road.
Be extra vigilant at night, watch for erratic driving behavior, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. If you suspect someone is under the influence, avoid them and report dangerous behavior to authorities.
Stay Alert Behind the Wheel
Driver fatigue is another common factor in holiday crashes. Long road trips, poor sleep or time spent in the sun can quickly wear you down. Add in distractions like smartphones, kids in the backseat or GPS systems, and it becomes even easier to lose focus.
Make a commitment to staying alert. Take breaks every couple of hours, rotate drivers if possible, and put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” while driving. Your primary responsibility is getting yourself and your passengers to your destination safely.
Be Cautious Around Large Trucks
Memorial Day weekend also sees a rise in commercial traffic, especially on major highways. Tractor-trailers and other large trucks pose unique dangers. Their large blind spots, long stopping distances and limited maneuverability make them more prone to causing serious or fatal collisions.
Never cut off a truck, and don’t linger in blind spots along the sides or rear. Give them extra space, especially when merging, turning or driving in inclement weather.
What to Do if You’re in a Crash
Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. If you’re involved in a crash, prioritize safety first. Move vehicles to a safe location if possible, call emergency responders and seek medical attention — even if you feel fine. Injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not show up right away.
Document the scene, take photos and get the contact information of any witnesses. Avoid making statements that imply fault, and contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
The Dinizulu Law Group is Here to Help!
If you or a loved one is injured in a car or truck accident over Memorial Day weekend, the experienced legal team at Dinizulu Law Group is here to support you. We fight to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable, so you can focus on healing and recovery.
Call us today for a free consultation at 312-384-1920. Don’t let one weekend change your life forever — let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
