As spring hits full swing, many people are looking forward to the summer months. There is a carefree, relaxed attitude to the summer, in part because it contains numerous holidays that give adults and children alike the chance to put responsibilities on hold and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Holidays in and of themselves can be great, but it is important for people to know the risks. Studies have found that the biggest summer holidays can be some of the deadliest days in America. The problem is that risks on the highway increase dramatically.
For instance, in one study, Memorial Day was the deadliest holiday of the year, at least as far as traffic accidents were concerned. Between 2011 and 2015, researchers found that 312 people died annually, on average.
Memorial Day may have been the clear leader, but it was by no means alone. The average for Labor Day was 308 deaths annually, over the same period. Right behind that was the Fourth Of July, clocking in with an average of 307 annual deaths.
To put this another way, if you compare Memorial Day weekend to any other non-holiday weekend during the year, you are four times as likely to pass away in a motor vehicle accident. The risk is incredible.
Reasons for the increased risk vary, and some of it could simply be increased traffic since people do not have to be at work or school. Another factor to consider is alcohol, as those celebrating the holidays may then drive under the influence.
If you lose a loved one in a tragic crash this year, make sure you fully understand all of your legal options.
Source: CBS, “The deadliest holiday for car accidents,” Jerry Edgerton, accessed April 11, 2018
