Father’s Day Weekend Was the Deadliest on Minnesota Roads Since 2016
June 2018
Father’s Day is meant to be a day of fun on which people show appreciation to their fathers, but this day became deadly for too many people this year. In fact, Father’s Day weekend of 2018 was the deadliest on Minnesota roads since 2016. Between Friday and Saturday, 11 motorists lost their lives in fatal accidents, and it’s vital to learn from this tragedy in order to make the roads safer for everyone on any day of the year.
The 100 Deadliest Days
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest for Minnesota drivers. Last year, fatal traffic accidents took the lives of 26 people, but the death count this year is already at 33, a number that is expected to grow.
Learning the time of year that presents the highest danger promotes increased vigilance. While motorists should always use caution while on the road, pay extra attention to your actions, and the actions of other drivers, during this time of year.
The Causes
In addition to knowing what days present the most risk to drivers, learning what causes these accidents is also an important step in the right direction. Police believe that two of the accidents from the weekend are related to alcohol and that another two are related to drugs. Officers have linked four of the fatal crashes to unsafe speeds and at least one person who died wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. When you step back and look at the facts for what they are, it’s clear that unsafe and illegal behavior played a role in more than half of the traffic deaths that occurred over the weekend.
Staying Safe
People can take a valuable lesson from these tragic mistakes that have already caused too many people to suffer. Following the speed limit, driving sober and paying attention to the roads and other drivers are a few of the most important ways to avoid danger no matter your destination.
If you plan to travel this summer take heed of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffics Safety – Traffic Topics. A few common-sense tips can save a life, for example, by leaving early to prevent yourself from being late and mitigating the temptation to drive at unsafe speeds. Designate one person to stay sober when drinking in groups or call a cab if you’re alone. And always buckle up, no matter how far or fast your trip may be.
Getting Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident resulting from someone else’s negligent behavior, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your losses. Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben provides free consultations and there is no fee unless you win. You’ll have a team of Minnesota’s most experienced personal injury attorneys working on your side and we’ll help you choose the path that makes the most sense for your situation. Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation or call us at 612-377-777 or toll free at 1-800-752-4265.