Summer Road Trips Often End in Tragic Accidents
Summer road trips can be fun for the whole family. They are full of sun, fun and memories. Unfortunately, though, summer road trips can also end in tragedy. In fact, eight of the ten deadliest days on the road all take place between Independence Day and Labor Day. Furthermore, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is tragically known as the “100 deadliest days on the road for teens,” and data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that August is the deadliest month for all drivers. That is saying a lot considering that a whopping 40,000 people are killed in traffic accidents annually.
It is too soon to have data about the type and number of accidents that resulted in serious or fatal injuries this year, but as this year’s deadly summer season winds to a close, it is a good time to remind drivers of basic rules of the road that can prevent accidents.
Distracted Driving = Deadly Driving
Each year more than 5,000 motorists lose their lives because of cell phones and text messaging. Cellular giant AT&T has recently started a riveting public education campaign aimed at preventing texting behind the wheel. The commercial-length messages feature people whose lives have been forever impacted by vehicle accidents caused by reading or sending text messages while driving.
Highway safety advocates warn everyone hitting the road during the busy summer months to not text while behind the wheel. For those who have trouble resisting the pull to send “just one more” message, there are now apps available at both the Apple and Android stores that can be used to disable smart phone text features while in a moving vehicle.
The Need for Speed?
Do countless people go far above the posted speed limit every day? Absolutely. Do people die because of drivers going too fast for the road conditions? Sadly, the answer is the same: absolutely. Jurisdictions around the country have beefed up law enforcement patrols scanning the roads for speeders. The increased enforcement coincides with the higher levels of traffic during the vacation season, when more accidents occur by simple virtue of there being more people on the roads.
Hurt in an Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured on one of the 10 deadliest driving days – or any other time of the year – by the actions of a distracted or reckless driver, considering contacting a skilled personal injury attorney in your area. Doing so is an important step towards both protecting your legal rights and learning more about legal options you may be able to explore.