Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Authorities are urging motorists to use caution and practice safe driving habits in an effort to reduce serious and fatal Massachusetts car accidents over the long Memorial Day weekend.
Holiday travel is expected to increase this weekend, despite higher gas prices, Mass Live reported. AAA expects nearly 1.5 million New Englanders will hit the road over the Memorial Day weekend, up from the 1.37 million travelers on the roads last year.
Nationwide, 32.1 million motorists are expected to make a trip at least 50 miles from home, compared to 30.5 million a year ago. Gas prices are at $2.82 a gallon, compared to $2.39 a gallon last year. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation reports the heaviest traffic is expected in the late afternoon and early evening on Thursday, Friday and Monday.
While New Year’s often gets the attention when it comes to serious and fatal accidents, the trio of summer holidays — Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day — are often among the most fatal.
Of particular concern will be preventing Massachusetts drunk driving accidents over the holiday weekend and law enforcement will be out in force looking for drunk drivers and other violations. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal Massachusetts car accidents. In 2008, nearly 4 in every 10 fatal accidents in Massachusetts involved a drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A total of 153 of the state’s 363 traffic fatalities involved a driver under the influence.
Nationwide fatal Holiday traffic accidents
New Year’s: 141
Memorial Day: 370
Fourth of July: 437
Labor Day: 423
Thanksgiving: 439
Christmas: 364
If you have been injured in a Boston car accident or an accident elsewhere in Massachusetts, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333