by John Gomez | Last Updated: September 1, 2016

Estimates indicate that more than 2 million residents of Southern California will drive to different destinations for Labor Day Weekend.  Nearly 300,000 people are expected to visit San Diego County beaches alone.  This is the holiday that marks the unofficial end of the summer season, and people tend to take advantage of the extra day off.  While these trips tend to offer people an opportunity to relax and enjoy time with family and friends, it’s also a travel weekend that carries a lot of risk.  The federal government has just released statistics regarding fatal car accidents from 2015, and the news is not good when looking at how the most recent data compare to previous years.  Below is a breakdown of that data and some ideas to consider so that everyone can be as safe as possible while traveling over the holiday weekend.

2015 Statistics Regarding Fatal Car Accidents in the United States

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, recently released the final statistics relating to motor vehicle accidents for 2015.  Traffic fatalities had generally declined every year for the previous 50 years until 2015.  This is the largest percentage increase during this timeframe.  The decades-long trend has been broken, and people need to be aware of this development.  The NHTSA report also released the following data:

• 35,092 people lost their lives in fatal car accidents in 2015 in the United States.
• 32,744 people died in crashes in 2014, representing an increase of 7.2 percent.
• SUV occupant fatalities increased by 10.1 percent over 2014.
• Van occupant fatalities increased by 9.3 percent in 2015.
• Passenger car fatalities increased by 5.7 percent.
• Pickup truck deaths increased by 4.7 percent.
• Motorcyclist fatalities increased by 8.3 percent
• Pedestrian deaths rose by nearly 10 percent.
• Bicyclist fatalities increased by more than 12 percent.
• Alcohol-impaired traffic deaths increased by 3.2 percent to more than 10,000 fatalities in 2015.

The number of miles driven rose by 3.5 percent in 2015 as compared to 2014.  However, the fatality rate per 100 million miles driven was also higher in 2015 than in 2014.  This specific statistic indicates that fatal car accidents were more common last year than the year before with all factors considered.  Those interested can find a link to the full report here.

Labor Day Weekend Travel

Given this information, travelers should do whatever is necessary to minimize the dangers that they face as they hit the roads this weekend.  First and foremost, motorists should control what they can, meaning that they should eliminate:

• Being rushed for time
• The consumption of any alcohol or other intoxicant before driving
• Any distractions such as cell phones
• Frustration while behind the wheel that can lead to poor decisions

The San Diego car accident lawyers at Gomez Trial Attorneys hope that everyone who will be traveling somewhere else this weekend does so safely and responsibly.  Unfortunately, prior years indicate that negligent and reckless drivers will inflict harm on others before the holiday is over.  If this happens to you or someone else, please contact Gomez Trial Attorneys as soon as possible for a free case evaluation.

 

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