While the Memorial Day holiday weekend is often considered the official kickoff of summer, the arrival of July 4th means that summer is now in full swing. Traditionally, the Independence Day holiday has always meant a lot of people on the roads traveling, but this year is predicted to be the second-highest Independence Day travel day on record after more than a year spent in pandemic isolation.
It is estimated that almost 50 million Americans will be packing their suitcases to visit family and friends. More than 90 percent of those travelers will be heading to their destination by vehicle. Many of them will be headed to Rhode Island where they can enjoy beach days, boating, sportfishing, hiking, dining, the arts, and so much more. Unfortunately, more commuters on the road also mean more vehicle accidents.
Spike in Holiday Car Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there are more fatal vehicle accidents on July 4th than on any other day of the year. The National Safety Council predicts there will be more than 400 deaths and almost 50,000 injuries from July 4th car accidents this year.
Statistics show the majority of these crashes are alcohol-related. Rhode Island has already been named one of the most dangerous states in the country when it comes to driving under the influence. DUI crashes are responsible for almost half of Rhode Island’s traffic deaths each year. The issue grows even more concerning on July 4th, with many people engaging in activities that involve alcohol, only to get behind the wheel of a vehicle drunk.
Speeding is also another common cause of July 4th car accidents. Motorists are often excited – and in a rush – to get to their family reunions, parades, cookouts, and firework displays that they often push the speedometer needle up more than they should. Speeding raises the risk of being in a crash, but with even more commuters and heavier holiday traffic, that risk is even higher.
Pedestrian Accidents
It is not just vehicle occupants who are at a higher risk of being injured in a car accident this holiday. Pedestrians are also at serious risk of injury or death. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
Have You Been Injured?
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you are likely facing high medical bills, loss of income while you recover, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a Rhode Island car accident attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have for your losses. Call Kirshenbaum Law Associates today at (401) 467-5300 or contact us online.
Our legal team wishes you and your family a happy and safe July 4th holiday!