What happened:
The Virginia State Police are reporting that 13 people were killed in car accidents over the five day Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This is an increase over the past two year, with 11 people killed during 2011 Thanksgiving weekend and 10 people killed in 2010.
The victims ranged in ages from 17 to 71. Three of the 13 victims were pedestrians, one was on a motorcycle and one of the accidents killed two people. Police confirmed that three of the crashes were alcohol related.
Troopers were out on the roads in full force for Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.), a program aimed at reducing crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by speeding, impaired driving and failure to use occupant restraints, particularly during national holidays. The state-wide results of troopers’ efforts included 9,976 cited for speeding; 3,099 for reckless driving; 115 for driving under the influence; 832 individuals for failing to wear a seat belt, and 280 for not using child restraints.
The Virginia Injury Lawyer Perspective:
Holidays should be a joyful time of gathering with family and friends. Unfortunately, there are far too many families who end up grieving for a loved one, instead of celebrating, because of the increase in fatal vehicle accidents this time of the year. Distracted drivers, impatient drivers, those driving under the influence of alcohol are many times the cause of these tragic incidents.
Making sure you’re buckled up every time you get into the car, obeying the speed limit and, of course, making plans for a designated driver if you are going to a holiday event where you may be drinking, are some of the ways to stay safe this season. And staying alert to the other drivers around you who may not be following the same rules is crucial.
If you are injured in a car crash caused by another driver’s recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation and should contact a Virginia personal injury attorney.
Virginia State Police Headquarters, Richmond VA
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