Last year, accidents and crime were down in Los Angeles over Memorial Day weekend due to the pandemic. It’s almost sure to rise again now that pandemic restrictions are lifting. XTown.LA reports on what to expect this weekend.
Los Angeles Police Department data shows that there were only 435 crashes in the area last year during the holiday weekend. That’s down about 26% from 2017. The decline is believed to be due to the pandemic. In most years, there’s an average of 534 accidents during the weekend.
So far this year, fatal crashes have been up nearly 30%, with a total of 113 this year so far. To help reduce the chances of adding to that number, the police are setting up checkpoints for distracted driving, DUI patrols, and safety task forces for cyclists and pedestrians.
We must note that the data only came from reported crashes. There could be many more that haven’t been reported.
Memorial Day, besides being a remembrance of fallen soldiers, is also the traditional start of summer. Holding a barbecue and throwing a party is the usual way to celebrate, and often these parties have a lot of alcohol.
If you are hosting a party, keep your drinkers safe. Don’t let them drink and drive. You can set up a designated driver program, take their keys, or contact an Uber on their behalf. By doing this, you could save lives.
