Holiday Road Accidents Are A Risk

Statistics reported by U.S. News & World Report estimate that Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous days to be on the road, with Christmas also making the top five of the deadliest holidays in the United States. Between 2017 and 2021, almost 2,500 road fatalities were recorded during this window, with Labor Day and Independence Day rounding out the top 3. While the Christmas period was fifth with 1,680 road fatalities, it is still important to be aware that the holidays heighten the risk of accidents, particularly with larger vehicles.

Driving Under The Influence Rises

Of the U.S. states, Florida’s fatality total was the fifth highest during the studied period, and there are several reasons for this. By far the most common cause of road accidents on holidays is substance use – driving under the influence rises significantly, even among those who may not have spent the holiday with their families, such as commercial drivers. However, many other causes are present year-round, such as poor vehicle maintenance, driving while fatigued or distracted, and speeding.

Tractor-trailer drivers and other commercial vehicle operators also have other factors weighing on them that may make a difference – for example, tractor-trailer drivers must operate under hours of service regulations that restrict their maximum hours on the road. However, it is not uncommon for trucking companies to push drivers to break those limits in order to deliver an order, which can lead to fatigue and poor decisions.

Potential Civil & Criminal Penalties

If you are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, and it can be shown that the driver was negligent, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. However, if you can show that the driver was operating their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may also face criminal charges. Negligence is a tort, which is essentially the civil equivalent of a crime, and compensation is usually monetary.

By comparison, driving under the influence is a crime in Florida (and most states). If a person is convicted of this offense, they will generally have to serve jail time. That said, it is possible for a person to face both civil and criminal penalties – one might think that the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution would apply, but since the two proceedings are in different legal systems, it does not.

Contact A Tampa Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney

It is always a good idea to be careful on the road, but even more so during holiday periods – and tractor-trailers and other large vehicles can be more hazardous. A Tampa tractor-trailer accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help you navigate the legal process if you are involved in this type of crash. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2023-11-21/the-most-dangerous-states-for-driving-during-the-holidays