Some Summer Days Are the Deadliest on the Road

September 14, 2012

Summer vacations on the road are a national past time. They allow countless families to bond while having fun and creating that will last a lifetime. Tragically, though, many of them end with injury-causing motor vehicle accidents. Eight of the 10 deadliest days for roadway accidents are in the summer, falling between July 4th and Labor Day. The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day even holds the dubious distinction of being known as the "deadliest days on the road for teens," and the month of August is traditionally when the highest concentration of fatal accidents occur.

Data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that upwards of 40,000 people die in traffic accidents each year. The numbers of total crashes, injuries and fatalities on the roads for summer 2012 are not yet available, but with the majority of the most dangerous days of the year behind us and school back in session, autumn is a great time for a reminder about bad driving habits that commonly cause accidents.

Distracted Driving Is a Recipe for Disaster

Thousands of people lose their lives annually in crashes caused by drivers who are texting or distracted by handheld cell phones. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has been committed to ending distracted driving for several years now. Under his leadership, the USDOT has sponsored several high-profile public education campaigns aimed at getting the word out about how dangerous texting can be behind the wheel. The government has an official distracted driving website that details numerous programs - like Project Yellow Light, a scholarship competition that rewards youth who make 60-second videos aimed at preventing distracted driving - designed to deter texting behind the wheel.

Another widespread public service campaign designed to educate people about the dangers of texting while driving is sponsored by cell phone carrier AT&T. That campaign features real people whose lives have been irreparably changed by accidents caused by text messaging.

Arrive Faster or Arrive in One Piece?

Another hazardous driving behavior that regularly causes motor vehicle accidents is speeding. State and local jurisdictions around the country have gotten more aggressive about stopping drivers who violate speed limits. The increased law enforcement presence coincided with summer's higher traffic levels in a widespread campaign known as "Summer H.E.A.T." That campaign wrapped up on Labor Day, but keeping an eye on the speedometer and not driving too fast for road, weather or traffic conditions are good habits to keep in mind all year long.

Have you Been Injured?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by the actions of a distracted, speeding or reckless driver, seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney in your area. Speaking with a skilled attorney in a great way to learn more about your legal rights and investigating possible options you may have to recover compensation for your injuries.

Article provided by Riddle & Brantley, LLP
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