Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
In 2010, there were more than 290 fatal car accidents in Bangor and elsewhere in Maine. There were also another 21,000 car crashes that resulted in injury and an additional 23,000 tallied that were property-damage only accidents.
That means that our state saw more than 44,000 car accidents in one year — or more than 120 accidents a day. Many of these accidents could have been completely prevented with a little more driver awareness.There were also 910 bicyclists, 792 pedestrians, 849 motorcycles, 148 school buses and 1,711 medium/heavy trucks involved in these accidents. Young drivers, or those ages 15- to 20-years-old were involved in nearly 20 percent of the reported crashes.
Our Bangor injury attorneys understand that our roadways are particularly crowded during the summer and upcoming fall tourist seasons. Because of the increase in traffic that we see during this time of the year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working diligently to help to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving skills.
They’re working to get drivers to Focus On Safety through the Cool Tips for a Sade Summer Trip.
During the summer, families and friends across the nation venture out on summer vacations. With the decreasing gas prices, many of these vacationers are choosing to drive to their vacation destination this year. With more vehicles out there, we’re facing significantly higher risks for accidents.
We can all do our part to help make our roads safer. Many car accidents can be easily avoided by following just a few simple safety tips. Please review the NHTSA’s safe driving tips to help you to prevent a potentially fatal car accident this summer.
Before Venturing Out:
-Check your exterior lights. Make sure that the headlights, the taillights and all of your blinkers are working properly.
-Check the fluids under the hood. Make sure they’re fresh and full.
-Check out your car’s belts. Make sure that none of them are cracked or blistering.
-Make sure you have adequate windshield wiper blades.
-Never travel with less than a quarter tank of gas.
While on our Roadways:
-Make sure that you keep your eyes and mind on the road and your hands on the wheel.
-Make sure that everyone’s wearing a seat belt every time you’re in the car.
-Never drink and drive. Make sure you have a sober ride home if you’re going out drinking.
-Prepare for traffic. More cars on our streets mean more congestion. Plan for it. Leave for your destination earlier with plenty of time to get there.
-Stay calm behind the wheel. Avoid getting aggravated and succumbing to aggressive driving habits.
-Make sure you know the road laws of places you’ll be traveling to.
If you are dealing with an injury accident in Maine, contact Peter Thompson & Associates for a confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-804-2004.
More Blog Entries:
Congress Funds Safe Driving Initiatives in Portland, elsewhere, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, July 10, 2012
Victim Demands Stricter Sentences for Drunk Driving in Bangor, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, June 25, 2012