Nearly 140 people are expected to die during the Fourth of July holiday period in car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere. Another 17,000 people are expected to be injured in the same roadway mishaps, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).
There’s supposed to be more travelers during this year’s holiday than during any Fourth of July holiday in the last 20 years. Experts are saying that nearly 42.5 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from their home during this time. Some say that it’s the gas prices that are making families more comfortable spending at the pump and venturing out. According to CNN, travel throughout the country is expected to be up by nearly 5 percent
Nationwide, our gas prices sit at an average of less than $3.50. That’s in comparison to the more than $4.00 a gallon we were paying just this past April.
Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers are asking drivers to be careful behind the wheel during this year’s Fourth of July holiday period. As you know, many residents from around the country will be hitting the sandy Florida shores to celebrate their Fourth of July. Our state’s amenities bring in people from all over the world. Unfortunately, they bring in some serious risks for accidents, too. With more people on our roadways we see some of the highest risks for accidents across the nation. When traffic is especially heavy during the Fourth, we’re asking all drivers to be alert and prepared behind the wheel to help to avoid a potentially fatal car accident.
Some people think that the expected increase in this year’s travel has a close tie with the calendar. You see, most Fourth of July holiday periods are only a long weekend. Since this year’s Fourth falls on a Wednesday, many residents are using the mid-week holiday as a reason to take a good portion of the week off, allowing for more time to vacation.
Officials with AAA took a recent poll and determined that more than half of travelers are planning to kick off their holiday vacation travels before the work week even starts.
Of the 42.5 people who are expected to travel this holiday, nearly 40 percent of them are expected to do so by car. That’s an increase in vehicular traffic by nearly 5 percent from the year before. The rest of the travelers will be getting around by planes, buses and boats.
Before you head out for this year’s travels, we ask that you plan it out and plan ahead. Make sure that you know where you’re going and that you allow yourself plenty of time to get there. You don’t need to be fumbling with a map or rushing at the wheel. Make sure you get plenty of rest and that you keep your full attention on your surroundings. Safe and responsible driving habits may be your best defense against becoming just a statistic.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Broward County or the surrounding area, contact Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorney Richard Ansara at 954 761-3641 or toll-free at 877-277-3780 for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights.
Additional Resources:
More people hitting the highways for Independence Day holiday travel, by Jim Barnett, CNN
More Blog Entries:
Teen Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale a High Risk with Relaxed GDL Laws, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, June 7, 2012
At-Fault Officer Involved in Davie Accident Not Ticketed, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, March 31, 2012