According to CNN, this year’s Fourth of July holiday is going to be quite the travel time. Experts are pointing toward the low gas prices as one of the main causes of this travel increase, up close to 5 percent compared to last year.
According to the American Automobile Association, the last time this many people were expected to travel over the Fourth of July holiday was 5 years ago. Unfortunately, with this expected increase in the number of travelers we can also expect a significant increase in the risks for car accidents in New York City and elsewhere.
Experts with AAA predict that there’s going to be more than 42 million people who will be traveling at least 50 miles away from home over the holiday period. That’s up from the approximate 40 million that were expected to travel this distance in 2011. Another reason experts are predicting the increase is because of where the holiday falls on the calendar. Usually, the Fourth of July holiday period is only stretched over a 5-day period, but since this year’s holiday falls on a Wednesday, it’s a 6-day holiday and people are expected to take advantage of it.
Our New York City car accident lawyers understand that the Fourth of July holiday period is one of the most dangerous times to be traveling. This holiday typically serves up some of the highest risks for accidents of the entire year. According to a survey from AAA, nearly 55 percent of travelers say that they plan on starting their holiday travels prior to the start of the work week that includes July 4.
Nearly 36 million of these the travelers, or nearly 85 percent of all travelers, are expected to get to their Fourth of July vacation destination by car. That’s an increase of about 4 percent from the year before. The other travelers are expected to hop on a cruise ship, a plane, a rail or even a bus.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 170 people are expected to die in traffic accidents over the holiday period. This holiday is defined as the time from Thursday evening through Wednesday night on the 4th. In addition to the predicted fatalities, officials also estimate that there will be nearly 17,500 people who will be injured in auto accidents.
For this reason, we’re asking all drivers to refrain from using a cell phone in the driver’s seat. All motorists are asked to buckle up during each and every car ride. This is also an important time to stay alert and sober behind the wheel. Alcohol-related accidents are unfortunately common during this time of year. If your celebrations involve consuming alcohol, make sure you’ve got a designated driver! It’s also important that you never get in the car with an intoxicated driver.
The accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC offer free and confidential consultations to those who have been injured in a car accident in New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan or elsewhere throughout the state. Call us today at 1-877-313-7673 to set up a free and confidential appointment to speak with someone about your rights.
Additional Resources:
More people hitting the highways for Independence Day holiday travel, by Jim Barnett, CNN
More Blog Entries:
Trucking Accident in New York Kills Motorcyclist, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, June 22, 2012
Drunk Driving Car Accident in New York City Lands Officer Jail Time, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, June 15, 2012
