Summer Brings Increase in New Hampshire Road Fatalities
Summer is a deadly time on America's roads, and recent data from the United States Department of Transportation reveals alarming trends in fatal car accidents. While the overall number of summertime driving fatalities has decreased nationwide, certain states have experienced significant increases, including New Hampshire.
The analysis of the most recent data on fatal car crashes during the summer months has yielded several key findings. Alaska, New Hampshire, and Wyoming have experienced the largest increase in fatal crashes during the summer.
N.H. summer accident statistics
New Hampshire witnessed a significant increase in summertime fatal crashes. Despite its smaller population, the state saw a 42% year-over-year increase in traffic fatalities during June, July, and August.
Despite the overall decrease in summertime traffic deaths nationwide, half of the U.S. states have still seen an increase in fatal crashes during June, July, and August. This suggests that while progress has been made, there is still significant room for improvement in many parts of the country.
How common are summer road fatalities involving teenagers?
Teenage driving deaths during the summer months decreased by 7% nationwide from 2021 to 2022. However, several states, including Maine, Hawaii, and Alaska, experienced significant increases in teenage fatalities during the summer, with percentages ranging from 250% to 400%. Texas and California had the highest total number of teenage fatalities in the summer of 2022. However, teen driver road fatalities aren't just limited to summertime.
New Hampshire experienced the largest year-over-year percentage increase (100%) in back-to-school fatalities among drivers aged 16 to 24 from 2021 to 2022. Louisiana, Connecticut, and Alabama also saw significant increases ranging from 75% to 93%. Texas and California had the highest total number of back-to-school driving deaths in 2022, while Hawaii led the country in fatalities per 10,000 drivers aged 16 to 24.
On a positive note, Wisconsin, Utah, and Indiana witnessed substantial reductions in back-to-school fatalities, with decreases ranging from 39% to 50%. Vermont had the lowest back-to-school traffic fatality rate per 10,000 young drivers.
How can New Hampshire road fatalities be prevented during the summer?
Drivers can take several steps to reduce their risk of summertime accidents. This includes:
- Obeying traffic laws.
- Minimizing distractions, especially smartphone use.
- Never operating a vehicle when fatigued, as sleep loss can impair reaction times and hazard awareness.
- Not getting behind the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Parents of teen drivers can set a good example by driving responsibly. They may also choose to have a discussion with their teens about the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, and alcohol and drug impairment.
Hurt in a crash in New Hampshire? Our attorneys are here to help
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident this summer, the aftermath can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. You could be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. However, you don't have to face these challenges alone.
A skilled car accident lawyer at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin can protect your rights and fight for the financial compensation you deserve. The sooner you seek legal help, the better your chances of getting a favorable outcome. Don't wait – contact us online or call us today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
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