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The Scary Truth About Memorial Day Weekend

Though summer does not officially begin until June 20, Memorial Day Weekend is largely regarded as the unofficial kickoff to the summer season. Thousands of people travel hundreds of miles to see friends and family and visit various vacation hot spots. Unfortunately, the drastically increased traffic (coupled with inadequate precautions for many of the holiday activities) make Memorial Day Weekend one of the deadliest weekends of the year. Our personal injury attorneys in Lebanon MO are here to shed some light on some of these sobering Memorial Day statistics.

Deputy & Mizell, Injury Attorneys near Lake of the Ozarks


Memorial Day Traffic Stats

The National Safety Council recently released a report estimating that approximately 409 people will be killed in traffic accidents during Memorial Day Weekend this year. This number is figured based on various travel data leading up to the event. The report goes on to estimate that an additional 47,000 people will be injured (significantly enough to seek medical attention) in roadway accidents.

The risk of roadway deaths and injuries is increased over Memorial Weekend for two primary reasons. One, thousands of people will travel a minimum of 50 miles to their destinations, thus contributing significantly more cars on the road. Two, people are more likely to consume alcohol and participate in other “party” activities, which increases the possibility of drunk driving and other reckless driving behaviors.

Deputy & Mizell, Injury Attorneys near Lake of the Ozarks

Other Dangers

Unfortunately, roadway travel isn’t the only danger that presents on Memorial Day Weekend. Emergency rooms and urgent care clinics see hundreds (if not thousands) of people on Memorial Day Weekend as a result of injuries sustained during common recreational activities. A 2015 report published on Newsweek offers a few eye-opening statistics:

  • Under-age drinkers are 27% more likely to end up in the emergency room on holiday weekends.
  • 6,500 household fires occur every year as a result of faulty home grills or careless use of the grill.
  • In years past, there were 2,750 trips to the emergency room as a result of ATV accidents.
 
While statistics on the other types of injuries and deaths that occur over Memorial Weekend are not readily available, it is important to realize that underage drinking, misuse of grills, and ATV accidents are not the only dangers that present on this holiday weekend. Boating and swimming accidents (including drownings), as well as injuries related to fireworks, are unfortunately not uncommon during Memorial Day Weekend.
 
Stay Safe On Memorial Day Weekend
 
Memorial Weekend can be a fun-filled weekend, but it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers faced. No matter how you decide to celebrate your holiday, we encourage you to exercise caution and good judgment at all times. Remember to appoint a responsible adult to supervise children at all times. 
 
We’re Here If You Need Us
 
While we certainly hope that you and your family have a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend, it is important to be prepared. If the worst should happen, you may be in a position to rightfully seek compensation for your damages. If you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, our Lake of the Ozarks personal injury attorneys will be here to help you build a solid case. 
 

For more information about our personal injury services in Mid-Missouri, visit our website: www.DeputyAndMizell.com

Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC

Deputy & Mizell, Injury Attorneys near Lake of the Ozarks
Representing Clients Across the Lake of the Ozarks Region


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