As too many Missouri and Illinois residents are aware, the travel period surrounding the Fourth of July holiday can be particularly dangerous. In fact, the National Safety Council reports that last year, the Fourth of July was the most dangerous and deadly holiday for travelers. Over the 2013 Independence Day holiday driving period, there were approximately 540 deaths and almost 58,000 people seriously injured. Drinking and driving plays a major role in this deadly car accidents. Many people choose to indulge in alcohol during holidays, which isn’t in itself dangerous behavior. However, choosing to drive while intoxicated absolutely can and does kill innocent victims and leaves others scarred for life.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released statistics showing that alcohol contributed to an average of 61 traffic deaths each day over the Fourth of July holidays between 2007 and 2011. This represents by far and away the highest number of alcohol-related deaths of any holiday season. And, as the nation gears up for 2014’s Fourth of July holiday, this should serve as a sobering reminder to those who are preparing to take to Missouri and Illinois roadways to be wary.
Unfortunately, however, no matter how much precaution a responsible driver takes, there is nothing that can be done to prevent negligent drivers from driving while intoxicated. The dangers of holiday driving can be particularly apparent when it comes to rural highways. According to some reports, the fact that there are generally fewer others traveling on rural roads can lull motorists into a false sense of security. This can unfortunately lead to car accidents caused by distracted driving, speeding, and driving while fatigued or impaired. Additionally, many people choose to drive without seat belts, and that can certainly increase the possibility of serious injuries or even fatalities if a collision does occur.
Another danger of accidents on rural roadways is the fact they are more likely to be head-on collisions since rural highways tend to be 2-lane roads. However, holiday driving can be deadly no matter which highways drivers and their passengers use. Statistics show that, in general, Americans have a 1-in-100 risk of dying in a fatal car accident. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that the two days each year which have proven the worst for motor vehicle fatalities from 1986 through 2002 were July 3 and July 4.
Those Missouri and Illinois residents who plan to engage in holiday driving over the next few days may wish to take extra precautions as they do so. For those whose precautions do not prevent the negligence of another driver from injuring them or killing a loved one, my St. Louis personal injury law firm stands ready to help. If you dial us toll-free at 1-888-586-7041, we can schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case. Car accidents which injure or kill innocent victims due to another person’s negligence can be devastating. However, holding another person accountable by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in civil court can provide a measure of financial justice which can ease a family’s economic suffering as they deal with their emotional and physical pain.
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Source Article: Article called “Road trips can be hazardous to your health” by Andrea Thompson from NBCNews.com and article called “24/7 Wall St.: The most dangerous holidays” by Michael B. Sauter and Thomas C. Frohlich from USA Today.