Holidays are always a worrisome time for law enforcement in Missouri and across the nation. People traveling on holiday weekends can saturate the roads with vehicles and lead to greater risks of car crashes. Attempting to mitigate the risks with enforcement and advice, such as telling drivers to wear their safety belts, refrain from texting and driving, abstain from drinking and driving, make certain to be fully rested before getting behind the wheel and more might have a moderate effect, but there will still be drivers who take to the roads and engage in dangerous behaviors. Those who were involved in a car accident over a holiday weekend must be aware of their right to seek compensation in a personal injury legal filing.

Compared to Labor Day 2016, the initial reports indicate that there were fewer accidents in 2017. Statistically, there were nearly half the number of DUI arrests in 2017 compared to 2015. Fewer people were cited for speeding in comparison to 2016 and fewer warnings were issued. Regarding accidents, there were no fatal DUI crashes and two non-DUI fatal crashes. This was less than the five that happened during the same holiday in each of 2015 and 2016.

Given the number of accidents that involved distracted drivers in recent years, it is a positive that there were so few accidents and fatalities in the state during Labor Day weekend. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that there were close to 3,500 deaths in distracted driving crashes in 2015. The reduction in deaths during a holiday weekend is indicative that people are being more vigilant about safety.

Despite the statistical improvements and the attempts on the part of law enforcement to keep a tighter rein on drivers, there will always be the risks of a car crash. As the numbers show, there were still accidents over the Labor Day weekend even if there was not a high number. People who are involved in a crash must make certain that they understand the realities of accidents whether it is a car, boat, motorcycle or any other kind of vehicle. There can be medical expenses, lost time at work and major problems for a family that has lost a loved one. Discussing a legal case with an attorney experienced in car accidents is essential to being compensated for your losses.

Source: clicklancashire.com, “Fewer Traffic Deaths in MO This Labor Day,” Elias Hubbard, Sept. 6, 2017