Taking a Road Trip? Recent Studies Suggest Safety First

August in the Washington Capital Region is often the hottest time of the year weather-wise. There’s a little known fact that decades ago, foreign countries paid their diplomats who were stationed here in Washington hazard pay because of the oppressive heat. Perhaps that is the reason that the area seems to empty during the month, as families head to area beaches or tourist destinations for a few weeks of rest and relaxation before school begins in the fall. However, three recent studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggest that road travelers take caution as they head out of town.

One study focuses on 15-passenger vans. Statistics show that June through August are the deadliest time of the year for those vehicles and their occupants. More than 30 percent of fatal rollovers involving these vehicles occur during the busy summer travel months. Further, the risks increase when the van is fully loaded with drivers and passengers. In 2006, 50 percent of occupant fatalities that occurred in these vans took place when the van was fully loaded.

Other factors that contribute to rollover incidents include improperly inflated tires, poor tire conditions, and inexperienced drivers.

Another study from the NHTSA indicates that unfortunately, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for every age 3 through 6 and 8 through 34. According to the study, motor vehicle traffic crashes ranked third overall in terms of the years of life lost (i.e., the number of remaining years that the person is expected to live had they not died) behind only cancer and diseases of the heart.

The final study, released by the NHTSA on August 5, 2008, analyzed the ratio of motor vehicle crash fatalities by sex and age from 1996 to 2006. The study indicated that motor vehicle crash fatalities where higher for males than females in all age groups, even though the male population is equal to or less than the female population in all age groups. The study also found that while fatality rates for most age and sex groups decreased, the fatality rates increased only among males in the age groups 41-45, 46-50 and 51-55.

These studies indicate the continued hazards and risks associated with traveling our nation’s highways. Please take due care and caution when taking your summer road trips and we wish you a happy and safe time. However, if you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, please contact one of the attorneys at Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester, LLC today at (301)589-2999 x102 for a free consultation.

Mark A. Schofield, Esquire
Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester, LLC