Harlene Labrum | May 23, 2025 | Car Accident Lawyer Near Nashville Tennessee
Top Tips to Stay Safe on the Roads this Memorial Day Weekend
Planning a Road Trip This Memorial Day weekend? Here’s How to Travel Safe and Smart
Summer break, long weekends, fall foliage—whatever the reason, Tennessee roads see a spike in family road trips this time of year. While a spontaneous getaway might sound tempting, hitting the highway without a plan is asking for problems.
As a trusted motor vehicle accident lawyer in Nashville, we’ve had too many clients tell us, “We were just trying to have a good time.” What started as a vacation turned into weeks of pain, paperwork, and stress.
You don’t have to let that happen to you. With a bit of foresight, you can steer clear of many of the common issues that lead to accidents, injuries, and insurance nightmares. Below, we’ve outlined a few things to keep in mind because the best case scenario is that you never need to call us.
Questions? Unexpected trouble on the road? Keep our number handy: (615) 338-9500.
Best Times to Travel (and When to Avoid the Road Altogether)
There’s no secret formula, but some times are definitely safer than others. Avoiding peak traffic not only reduces stress, but lowers your risk of being involved in a crash.
Here’s what the experts see time and time again:
- Fridays between 3 PM and 7 PM are a magnet for fender benders and worse. You’ve got commuters rushing home, weekend travelers getting a jump start, and general chaos.
- Sundays after 5 PM are deceptively dangerous. Everyone’s trying to squeeze the last drop out of their weekend, and the roads get clogged in the process.
- Holiday weekends are always high-risk. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day can get notoriously busy. More alcohol, more drowsy driving, more distractions.
Your safest bets? Depart early in the morning—before 8 AM is ideal—and plan your return for mid-morning or early afternoon, preferably on a weekday if your schedule allows. Traffic is thinner, drivers are more alert, and you’re less likely to encounter road rage or unpredictable behavior.
Car Prep Checklist
Even if you just had your oil changed last month, go over your vehicle with fresh eyes before any long trip on Memorial Day weekend. A minor issue at home can turn into a major problem hundreds of miles away.
Here’s a quick checklist rundown:
- Tires: Check tread depth, look for cracks or bulges, and don’t forget to check the pressure—including the spare.
- Fluids: Oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer, and transmission fluid. Top off or replace as needed.
- Brakes: If you hear squealing or grinding, don’t dismiss it. Get it checked before you go.
- Battery: Look for corrosion on terminals and make sure it’s holding a charge. Heat can accelerate battery failure.
- Lights: Headlights, brake lights, turn signals. Make sure they all work and that they’re clean.
- Wipers: Visibility is everything in a sudden downpour. If they smear or skip, replace them.
- Emergency kit: Jumper cables, flashlight, tire inflator, first aid kit, water, and a basic toolkit.
Mechanical issues lead to roadside breakdowns, which often put you just a few feet away from fast-moving traffic. That’s not where you want to be.
Safe Driving Tips for This Memorial Day Weekend
We’ve seen all kinds of motor vehicle accidents in Nashville. Most crashes come down to someone ignoring the basics. So even if it sounds obvious and boring, brush up on some safe driving tips.
- Drive well-rested. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. If you’re tired, pull over.
- Don’t rely on cruise control in the rain. It can increase your chances of hydroplaning.
- Keep your phone out of reach. Even a quick glance is enough to miss something important like brake lights.
- Watch your speed in construction zones. Fines aside, the lanes narrow and conditions change fast.
- Buckle up. Never start driving until everyone has put on their seatbelts. This applies even to those riding the back seat.
- Be wary of large trucks. Give them room. They have big blind spots and need more space to stop.
Other drivers can be unpredictable at times. This uncertainty can increase during any holiday travel, especially Memorial Day weekend. You can’t control what other drivers do, but you can give yourself the best chance of reacting in time.
Tips on How to Keep the Ride Enjoyable for Everyone This Memorial Day Weekend
A road trip can unravel quickly when tempers flare or boredom sets in. Things get even more chaotic if kids are involved.
Here are a few ways to keep things smooth and lighthearted:
- Plan rest stops ahead of time. Breaks every two to three hours can prevent fatigue and irritability.
- Pack snacks with balance in mind. Sugary treats might spike energy short-term, but crashes (the metaphorical kind) follow.
- Create a shared playlist. Let everyone contribute a few songs. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
- Keep chargers handy and download offline content. Nothing turns a peaceful backseat into a battlefield faster than a dead tablet.
- Bring small comforts. A favorite pillow, sunglasses, or blanket can go a long way in making passengers feel at ease.
Consult With the Best Nashville Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers at Labrum Law Firm
Too many families come back from a trip with more than memories. They return with injuries, bills, and questions that start with “What now?”
At Labrum Law Firm, we see the repercussion of motor vehicle accidents every day. But we’d much rather help you avoid needing us at all. By planning your Memorial Day weekend trip wisely, checking your vehicle carefully, driving responsibly, and keeping your passengers happy, you’re stacking the odds in your favor.
If, despite your best efforts, you end up in an accident, know that you have the best motor vehicle accident lawyer in Nashville on your side. We’re here to make sure you’re treated fairly, that your rights are protected, and that you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.
Safe travels. And if you need us, just call (615) 338-9500.
