The number of motor vehicle deaths has continued to rise since late 2014 and shows no signs of decreasing, especially over the long Labor Day weekend.
The continued rise in fatalities is prompting the National Safety Council to issue its highest fatality estimate for the Labor Day holiday weekend since 2008. The Council estimates that 438 people will be killed in auto collisions during the three-day weekend. An estimated 19,100 people have been killed on U.S. roads since January, and 2.2 million were seriously injured.
Whether you are staying in town or going out of state, anyone who is traveling this weekend should take precautions. To help ensure safety, the National Safety Council recommends that all drivers:
- Make sure every passenger buckles up on every trip
- Designate an alcohol and drug-free driver or arrange alternate transportation
- Get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue
- Never use a cell phone behind the wheel, even hands-free
- Stay engaged in teens' driving habits, as teens are three times as likely to crash as more experienced drivers
- Learn about your vehicle's safety systems and how to use them, as this can help drivers understand features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning systems, and backup cameras
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. wants to remind all drivers that if you or your passengers are hurt in a car accident, wait for help to arrive. Make sure the police are contacted and get the name, address, driver’s license, and insurance information from the other party. If possible, also get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses, and contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible.
Contact Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. to request a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Our firm serves clients throughout New Hampshire and Maine.
