Memorial Day weekend is one of the most dangerous weekends in Alabama. Statistically, people will die on our roads and many more will be involved in costly, but preventable, accidents.
You may consider yourself safe, but I ask you to take a moment to think about the real dangers on the road, on the water and at home. Here are some facts that may shock you.
- The National Safety Council estimates 450 people may lose their lives on U.S. roads during Memorial Day weekend.
- The federal government says U.S. roads are the most dangerous in 16 years.
- Drunk driving is not the only impairment concern. Opioid and marijuana use are major hinderances to safe travel.
- AAA reports 50% of residents say they plan to travel more this summer than last year, with about 1 in 3 saying it will be their first significant summer trip since 2019.
- Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic deaths.
- With summer beginning, more bikers and walkers are using the roads.
- Pediatric vehicular heatstroke is still the leading cause of non-crash motor vehicle-related deaths for children. Since 1998, more than 900 children in the U.S. have died sitting in cars.
- Alcohol sales are up in Alabama with an increase of more than $60 million.
- Alabama law enforcement says boating accidents may be up because of high usage this weekend.
Be safe. Just be smart. We hope you have a great Memorial Day and a fantastic summer.
If you suffer from a personal injury like an auto/railroad wreck, wrongful death claim, or slip and fall, you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie for free. We want to help you get back on your feet.
Also, join us on NBC 15 LawCall here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30, right after the news. We will take your calls live. We do like answering your questions. We also have lawyers standing by at our offices on Monday mornings.
Mobile Personal Injury Attorney