Tax day is coming — buckle up!
The U.S. tax deadline is fast approaching, and if history is any indicator it is likely to be accompanied by a spike in fatal traffic accidents.
According to a study conducted by Sunnybrook Research Institute at the University of Toronto, traffic fatalities in the U.S. increase by about 6 percent on the day that taxes are due. The authors of the study suggest that the increase in car accidents could be due to traffic changes as people rush to file their taxes, as well as higher levels of stress among drivers on that day.
“I think there may be other possible factors that lead to more crashes around tax time like distraction, fatigue and definitely shortened tempers,” said Omaha Accident Attorney Richard Rensch.
Rensch and his law partner and son, Sean Rensch believe it’s essential that all drivers are aware of peak accident times indicated by recent studies.
For the tax day crash study, researchers analyzed three decades’ worth of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, comparing traffic fatalities that occurred on tax days with those occurring on the days one week before and after tax day. Between 1980 and 2009, there were 6,783 deaths in tax-day crashes.
Other deadly traffic days
Tax day is not the only day of the year associated with higher incidences of traffic accidents and fatalities, although it may be among the most surprising.
“It probably makes sense when you think about it, but another high-risk driving day that may not come to mind quickly to most people is Super Bowl Sunday,” said Omaha Accident Attorney Sean Rensch.
According to another study from the University of Toronto, car accidents in the U.S. spike by about 40 percent in the hours immediately following the Super Bowl. This research is based on crash data from each of the last 27 Super Bowls. Researchers say the extra collisions result in about seven additional fatalities each year, as well as about 600 additional injuries.
“And it probably isn’t a shocker that the states with losing teams (68 percent) have the most car crashes after the game ends,” Sean continued.
On the flip side there are fewer crashes in states with winning teams (6 percent). (add) In “neutral” states – those without a team in the game – traffic accidents increase by 46 percent. Researchers say alcohol, distracted driving and fatigue are likely factors in the Super Bowl crash spike.
Other notoriously hazardous driving days include New Year’s Eve, Independence Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, NHTSA statistics show that Thanksgiving is actually the most dangerous day of the year for drivers, possibly due to the unique combination of long-distance road travel, heavy traffic and high levels of alcohol consumption.
Nebraska crash statistics
According to the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety, there was an average of one car accident every seven minutes on Nebraska roads in 2012. That year, traffic accidents in Nebraska caused 212 deaths and 15,872 injuries – an average of one traffic fatality every 41 hours and about 43 injuries per day.
Each year, the NOHS estimates that one out of every 28 Nebraska drivers will be involved in a car accident. When someone is hurt in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence or wrongdoing – such as recklessness, intoxication, distraction or road rage – Nebraska law provides that the at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for the damage that has occurred. To learn about the possibility of seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses if you or a member of your family has been hurt in a Nebraska car accident, talk the situation over with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.
