Automobile Accidents and The Great American Road Trip

In April 2014, three people were killed when the vehicle they were driving was struck by a pickup truck going 100 miles an hour just a short way from Flagstaff, Arizona. The Hirayama family was on spring break and wanted to see more of the country. The family of four had traveled to see the Grand Canyon when they were killed by a vehicle fleeing police pursuit.

There are few things more quintessentially American than the road trip, and there is no better time for most families to hit the highways than summer vacation and spring break. The kids are out of school and parents can take a little time off work for a well-earned vacation. But even as we’re gearing up for a few days (or even a week) of fun, it’s important to remember that more Americans are killed in car wrecks than any other type of accident.

The statistics are sobering. Each year, more than 30,000 people are killed on the highways of America. Thousands more die in other car collisions. Every time we get into a vehicle, there is a chance of something going terribly wrong, and the danger only increases the more miles we drive. Families might drive hundreds or even thousands of miles on a single vacation.

Luckily, there are a number of things we can do to decrease the chances of getting into an accident:

• Take your car in for a tune-up before you leave. A licensed mechanic can let you know if there is any wear and tear that should be repaired before you leave.
• Adjust your rearview mirrors to make sure you can see other vehicles.
• Drive the speed limit and limit passing other vehicles.
• Pull over if you get tired.
• Minimize the chance the kids will distract you by bringing them plenty of things to do.

Unfortunately, though we can make all the preparations in the world, that doesn’t guarantee that the other people on the highway are being safe. Even the police can contribute to a fatal accident. A high speed collision can be mentally and physically debilitating.

If you or anyone you know has been injured and has not been able to obtain the care they need or the restitution to which they are entitled, a New York attorney can help ease the stress of dealing with these difficulties on your own.