As some Arizona drivers may know, there are certain days when driving might be more risky. While driving safely is always important, extra care may be necessary on such days of the year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has documented that the Memorial Day holiday involves more highway deaths than on average weekends. Results from yearly surveys show that 400 individuals die each year on this holiday weekend. This represents an increase of about 13 percent over non-holidays. Since 36.1 million drivers are on the road and alcohol use is a common feature of the celebratory process, authorities concede the combination may be responsible for crashes.
New Year’s Day ranks as another example of the effect drinking has on car accident numbers. Statistically, New Year’s accounts for the greatest number of deaths associated with alcohol consumption. The National Safety Council point out that 42 percent of deaths due to traffic accidents on this day involve drunk drivers.
A survey looking at driving fatalities from 2000 to 2013 demonstrated that the July 4 holiday ranked as a risky day to drive. This holiday was recorded as one with the most fatalities during this period. According to authorities, the number of drivers and the use of alcoholic beverages on this day may be seen as a deadly combination. Another holiday in the list of deadliest holidays, St. Patrick’s Day is a dangerous day to drive, according to the NHTSA. During 2009 to 2013, 276 individuals died in traffic accidents involving alcohol.
If a drunk driver kills an individual at any time during the year, the decedent may leave behind a family that may face financial difficulties. Speaking with an attorney might help. The attorney may review accident details and file a wrongful death suit to recover pecuniary damages.