Car wrecks were a common occurrence over the July Fourth holiday weekend in Virginia (VA). Approximately 743 car crashes were reported and five lives were lost. These numbers are actually an improvement from the 2009 July Fourth weekend which resulted in nine car crash deaths, according to The Virginian-Pilot.
The fatal car accidents were not relegated to one area in VA. They occurred in the city of Suffolk on U.S. 58 near the diving line of Suffolk and Chesapeake, Accomack County on Route 178, Fairfax County, Nottoway County and Rockingham County.
What I find discouraging from these statistics is that three of the car wreck deaths this year involved someone not wearing their seat belt. It is frustrating to hear about car accident deaths that may have been prevented if a simple safety step was taken. We cannot say for sure that these three lives would have been saved if they wore their seat belt, but the chances of survival would have been much higher. In fact, statistics show that wearing a seat belt is 44 percent more effective at preventing death than not wearing one, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
Another common cause of car wreck deaths over the July Fourth weekend is drunk drivers. It was reported that the July Fourth holiday is the deadliest for people driving the under influence or alcohol or other intoxicants, according to MSN.
The number of car accidents in VA and nationwide can, and should improve. Wearing your seat belt and handing the keys over when you have had too much to drink are simply safety steps we all should adhere to.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.
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