Accident rates higher on certain days
As New Jersey residents may know, driving at certain times of the year increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Contributing factors may be due to increased traffic, aggressive drivers or a higher incidence of drinking and driving, and certain holiday weekends may be more dangerous than others.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that bad driving days most frequently occur during times such as Black Friday, when up to 70 million individuals are looking for shopping bargains. During the Thanksgiving holiday period, many accidents occur as families go on the road to spend time with friends and family. According to AAA, many of these drivers travel at least 50 miles. St. Patrick’s Day, in the years from 2009 through 2013, saw the deaths of 276 individuals over those weekend periods. Out of each five fatalities during this period, two were attributed to drinking and and driving.
During 2000 through 2013, the July 4 holiday proved to be the second most dangerous holiday to be out driving, according to an insurance institute study. During this holiday, drunk driving significantly contributed to accidents with 42 percent of all accidents involving one or more drivers testing over the legal alcohol limit. The number one holiday for fatal motor vehicle accidents between 2007 and 2012 was New Year’s Day. On this date, drinking and driving contributed to the deaths of individuals in 42 percent of the accidents.
A person who is injured in an accident caused by a careless or dunk driver may face significant medical bills, lost time from work and a long recuperation. An attorney may assist by reviewing accident data and witness statements. If appropriate, the attorney may file a lawsuit against the responsible party seeking damages for the victim’s injuries.
