Fatal motor vehicle accidents are on the rise in California, and Saturday happens to be the deadliest day to travel. A study by Avvo, a legal review and referral website, further shows that Tuesday is the least-deadly day for motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, this study, compiled of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, purports that the time of day in which deadly accidents occurred was during the evening rush hour.
Top reasons for deadly motor vehicle accidents
The reason Saturdays have the most fatal motor vehicle accidents correlates to the causes of these accidents: drunk driving. Fridays and Sundays are the next deadliest days, and days leading up to major holidays also show increases in deadly accidents. One major connection is that deadly accident occurrences increase as personal freedom increases.
In general, more people take to the roads on weekends, and that increases their chances of being in an accident. Driving under the influence accounted for 26% of fatal weekend motor vehicle accidents while impaired driving accounted for 14% of these accidents on weekdays.
Speeding is another contributing factor in fatal car accidents, and it accounts for 27% of all deadly crashes. Speeding is an aggressive way to drive that endangers both motorists and pedestrians.
Avoiding deadly motor vehicle accidents
It may be difficult to avoid being on the road during the evening rush hour or on weekends, especially for those whose occupations require driving frequently. There are other ways to avoid fatal motor vehicle accidents. First, never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Avoid distracted driving, including eating in your vehicle and using your cellphone. Finally, always practice situational awareness in order to avoid getting hurt and to avoid hurting others.
If you were in a devastating motor vehicle accident in which you or others were injured, a lawsuit may ensue. You may want to seek the assistance of a compassionate and aggressive personal injury attorney to ensure that all your questions and concerns are answered.