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There are certain times and situations when road accident fatality peaks. For instance, pedestrian accidents are pretty common through out the year but they become prevalent during the summer when most people are likely to get out of the house and go for a walk or run.
The American community is trying its best to make our roads safer by building safer intersections, developing awareness programs and developing innovative paths and bridges. Even though our communities are trying to take road safety seriously, the risk of getting into a fatal road accident still remains high. Let’s take a look at the most dangerous times to drive.
During Certain Days
Did you know that 1 in four car accidents happen during rush hour? We lose billions of dollars each year owing to property damage, emergency and safety personnel costs, medical costs and lost earnings and productivity.
According to the University Of North Carolina Highway Research Center, many road accidents involve buses, trucks, motorcycles and cars. Accidents involving automobiles and pedestrians or bicycles are in the thousands.
NHTSA reports show that most accidents happen between 3pm and 6pm probably due to the high volume of traffic. Saturday is considered the most dangerous day to be on the road because there’s a high chance you’ll encounter drunk drivers and there are nearly twice as many cars on the road during this day more than any other day of the week.
Road accident fatalities are also likely to happen at night than during the day. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, most accidents happen on the weekend between midnight and 3.am. 31% of those accidents are caused by drunk drivers.
If you are the sort of person who likes taking a walk, then you should know that pedestrian deaths are more likely to happen on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 49% of these accidents happen either because the driver was driving while drunk or the pedestrian was intoxicated. CDC reports show that 69, 000 pedestrians died in road accidents in 2008. This means that one pedestrian was killed every two hours during that year and another one got injured after every 8 minutes. 38% of pedestrians aged 16 years and below suffered a road accident fatality between 3pm and 7pm.
During Holidays
NHTSA reports indicate that the number of accidents increases during holidays. This is because people tend to indulge a little more in alcohol during holidays and they also travel to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones and friends. In their study, NHTSA observed that from 2001-2005, the number of road accident fatalities caused by alcohol impaired drivers was 45 per day. The number increased to 54 per day over the New Year Holiday.
IIHS reports show that the Fourth of July is considered to be the most dangerous holiday. They recorded a total number of 144 driving related road accident fatalities from 2005-2009. Teenagers accounted for 10% of all these road fatalities.
Many people travel to be with their families and friends during Thanksgiving weekend. Most people also binge drink during Thanksgiving eve so it comes as no surprise that the highest number of DUI arrests happen during this time of the year.
During Summer Vacations
The summer season is actually the best time to drive on the roads. The weather is great and driving conditions are excellent. During this time there are longer daylight hours, excellent visibility and the roads are dry. But it is also the time when the number of cars, bicycles, motorbikes and pedestrians on the roads increases and you know the higher the traffic volume, the higher the rate of traffic accidents. According to NHTSA, it’s the time when there’s a significantly higher number of alcohol impaired drivers. It’s also the time of year when the number of road accident fatalities doubles.
Road accident fatality rate for teenagers and students peaks between May and August or during summer vacation and the biggest reason is because teens are drinking at younger ages. In 2010, the US Department of Health and Human Services reported that 15.1% of 18 to 20 year olds and 5.8% of teens aged 16 and 17 were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The US Department of Transportation also reported that 3, 115 teenagers aged between 13 and 19 years old suffered a fatal road accident.
During the summer vacation most teenagers have too much time on their hands. Given their minimal driving experience and distracted driving behavior, it comes as no surprise that the number of teen road accident fatalities peak during the summer.
Some examples of distracted driving behavior that teenagers engage in include texting or talking on their mobile phones while driving. Not only does this type of behavior endanger them as drivers but it also endangers their passengers, other motorists and pedestrians.
During Special Occasions
According to a 2010 NHTSA report, road accidents claimed a life every 51 minutes during St. Patrick’s Day. They also reported that the number of car accident fatalities soared when people celebrated special occasions like the Super Bowl and Cinco de Mayo.
Conclusion
Judging from all the information collected, the odds of getting into a fatal road accident increases when the number of drivers driving under the influence increases. You can minimize the chances of getting into a fatal accident by avoiding being on the road or being vigilant on the road during times when accidents are most likely to happen.
Contacting An Attorney in Fall River, MA
We have a question for you…
What’s the most dangerous time for you to drive or walk? Is it when you choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol or is it when you choose to be extra cautious and always being alert while on the road?
You might be the most vigilant person on the road and still end up getting into an accident. Here’s where we come in. We understand that not all accidents are the driver’s fault.
We help people who’ve gotten into car accidents because of other people’s negligence, get the justice they deserve. You are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and your injuries.
Protect your rights by hiring the right attorney for you. Contact us today at 508-676-0001 to get a free initial consultation.
