What is the Deadliest Date of the Year for US Car Accident Fatalities?
Thousands of people are killed in fatal car accidents every year. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that there were 34,247 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2017; killing a total of 37,133 people.
Fatality rates vary dramatically from the season to season and even from day to day. If you had to guess the deadliest date of the year for car crashes, you would probably pick a holiday associated with drinking or a date in the winter date because of the risk for bad road conditions. Most people would be shocked to know that a date in August was identified as the deadliest for car accidents in a study completed by the IIHS. Data gathered between 2012 and 2016 identifies August 2nd (yes, today!) as the date with the highest US car accident fatality rate; 505 people were killed on that date during this period and overall August accounted for 15,914 deaths.
Car accident attorney
If you lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident because of a negligent driver or other reason, contact an experienced car accident lawyer right away. A car accident attorney can discuss your legal rights and may be able to ease your burden as they fight to recover damages on your behalf.
Why does August 2nd have the highest fatality rate of the year?
We know that icy roads in winter and holidays associated with drinking create dangerous road conditions that increase the risk of car accidents. August 2nd doesn’t carry either of these risks so why does it have the highest fatality rate of the year? The answer is that beautiful weather in the summer equals more vacation travelers. This is problematic for two reasons: 1. more drivers on the roads means more congestion, which increases the chances of needing to hit the brakes hard or accelerate quickly after idling and 2. drivers tend to behave more recklessly while on summer vacation, when the roads are dry and when they are frustrated from driving in heavy traffic.
Safety tips for driving in congestion
The biggest issue with driving in congestion is that it is frustrating and can lead to road rage or aggressive driving. These tips from the Canada Safety Council will help to keep you safe while driving in congestion.
- Try to avoid congestion by finding an alternate route if you know that the main roads are congested.
- Pay attention to the cars ahead of you. Is someone braking hard a few vehicles ahead? If so, it’s time to slow down.
- Avoid aggressive driving. Do not attempt to weave in and out of traffic or tailgate.
- Accelerate slowly when it’s time to speed up in stop and start traffic.
- Accept that you will be late. It’s better to be late than to get into a car accident because of road rage or aggressive driving.
- If you know that roads will be congested and you will be driving with kids; bring snacks, activities or tablets to keep them entertained. Be prepared to take regular rest stops. Nothing is more stressful than whining kids in the back seat.
- If you get stuck in congestion, take deep breaths and keep a calm attitude. Don’t let the congestion stress you out.
If you have lost a loved one or been injured through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the justice and fair compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring, tireless and experienced wrongful death attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County and surrounding areas since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
