Watch out! You are entering one of the most dangerous driving seasons in America. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that Dec. 22, 23 and 24 are “among the deadliest days of the year for all drivers!” With all the stress and anxiety associated with the holidays – hyped this year by a down economy – distracted drivers and drivers afflicted with a dangerous case of road rage could make the entire month hazardous.
However, defensive driving techniques are always the best idea whenever you are behind the wheel. True, the gasoline crisis has reduced the number of drivers on the road. But road rage could be on the increase as people continue losing homes and jobs during the coming months.
The decline in driving spawned by the rise in the price of gas at the pump is “the largest continuous decline……the nation has experienced” says the Associated Press. Highway deaths are dropping too. The U.S. Department of Transportation says 31,110 people died on the nation’s roads from January through October 2008, compared to 34,502 during the same period in 2007.
But that’s no reason for you to relax. While 2007 set a new low of 41,059 highway deaths, the AA Foundation for Traffic Safety says that’s a highway fatality every 13 minutes! If you are injured, Jim Adler & Associates is a phone call away. (1-800-505-1414) www.jimadler.com
