Spring Break Brings Increase in Traffic and Car Accidents
Spring break is the first official start of the spring season for many. College students and families alike head to the coastal cities to celebrate the warm weather. The increase in travelers and drivers on the road also increases the rate of traffic and car accidents. Learn what the most common factors are in spring break car accidents and how you can keep your family safe.
Spring Break Car Accident Statistics
According to the CDC, car accidents that involve drivers under the age of 25 years during spring break are 9% more likely to be fatal. The rate of drunk driving occurrences increases by 23% during spring break. Car accidents during spring break are also more likely to include out-of-state drivers. Even more surprising, studies show that the rate of car accidents increases the same among all cities during spring break, not just in the most popular spring break destinations.
Common Causes of Spring Break Car Accidents
These are some of the most common causes that lead to an increase in car accidents during the spring break season:
- Drinking and driving: The use of alcohol significantly increases during spring break. As college students take the week off from school, they may celebrate with alcohol. Even parents who are taking the week off from work and school responsibilities are more likely to have an alcoholic beverage or two with dinner.
- Driver inexperience: More inexperienced drivers fill the roads during spring break. Many students head home or on long road trips with friends, adding to traffic increases.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is another common cause of spring car accidents, as large groups of teens or young adults head to vacation destinations.
- Unfamiliarity with local roads: Because spring leads to travel for a lot of people, drivers are more likely to be unfamiliar with the local roads.
When you combine each of these factors, it can lead to a dangerous situation. Traffic rates tend to increase during school breaks, like spring break. The higher number of people on the roads paired with a lot of people traveling to areas they are unfamiliar with can lead to an increase in car accidents. Spring Break is also a time when many people let their guard down while taking a break from life’s responsibilities.
Stay Safe This Spring Break
You and your family can still enjoy spring break by taking certain safety precautions. For one, avoid drinking and driving. Public transportation or rideshares are usually an option when visiting tourist areas. If they’re not, have a drink while staying at the hotel.
Avoiding distractions is also important, especially with the increased traffic rates during spring break. Many vehicles today have built-in hands-free settings that allow you to take phone calls or send text messages, without ever taking your focus off the road. Be sure that your teen driver is also familiar with these safety tips.
Whether your teen is headed out on a spring break trip, or you and the family are headed to the beach for the week, it’s important to keep safety in mind.
Contact a Burlington County Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC represent clients injured because of a car accidents in Burlington County, Gloucester County, Camden County, Cherry Hill, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 861-4236 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 1940 W Rte 70 #4, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
