Car Accidents
Independence Day Driving Safety
The Fourth of July is a time of celebration. Many of us take the time off to travel or party with friends and family. Unfortunately, this holiday is also a dangerous time on the road for drivers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 470 people die in car accidents during the Independence Day holiday and even more are injured. Continue reading for some tips on how to stay safe this Fourth of July.
Why So Many Cars Drive at Night with Headlights Off
Nighttime collisions are among some of the most common motor vehicle accidents. Although there are many contributing factors, such as speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving, visibility is another reason why accidents at night are more common. Drivers may forget to turn their headlights on because many newer dashboards remain illuminated at all times. Older cars, on the other hand, had dashboards that remained dark unless the headlights were switched on.
What Causes Wrong-Way Car Accidents?
A wrong-way crash is a senseless accident that causes devastating injuries. Drivers who are traveling in the right direction have very little time to react to a wrong-way driver.
Although they only make up a small percentage of automobile crashes, wrong-way accidents are more likely to be fatal. Thousands of deaths have been caused by wrong-way collisions in recent years, and the numbers are going up according to the American Automobile Association’s Foundation for Auto Safety.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Boston
Boston is known for terrible traffic, with some of the worst congestion in the world. People who drive into the city often park their cars in garages and walk to where they need to go, because it is faster than driving. In a recent study, researchers found that traffic in the metro area costs drivers an average of $2,270 in gas and wasted time, as reported on CBS News. Due to heavy traffic, faulty road design, confusing configurations, lack of signage, and other factors, Boston has some of the most dangerous intersections where accidents are more likely to occur.
Why Parking Garages Can Be More Dangerous in Winter
Winter is beautiful in Massachusetts and New England, with falling snow, quiet beaches, snow-covered parks, and endless opportunities for winter sports, such as skating, skiing, and snowshoeing. On the downside, winter weather makes the roads more dangerous. Although often overlooked, parking lots are also more hazardous during the winter months.
Why Are Boston’s Roads So Bad?
Bostonians love to complain about traffic and road conditions. We also like to complain about the Red Sox and a lot of other things. But is the traffic in Boston really that bad compared other big cities? The answer is yes, according to various sources. Our roads are in poor shape and our traffic is really slow.
A combination of historical, political, and geographic factors makes Boston a nightmare for commuters who spend way too much time waiting in traffic every year. This creates an atmosphere where cranky drivers are constantly insulting one another and cutting other drivers off in their fruitless attempt to save a little bit of time.
Future Cars to Prevent Drunk Driving
Recent legislation passed by Congress requires automakers to develop technology that will identify drunk drivers and stop them from driving.
It will take a few years to devise and implement this new technology, but soon we could be seeing cars that automatically shut down if they detect signs that the driver is under the influence.
Stay Safe on the Road This Fourth of July Weekend
This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Monday. Between Friday afternoon and midnight on Monday, millions of Americans will be hitting the highways to visit friends and relatives or see new places.
Though it’s a great way to get around, traveling by automobile has the highest fatality rate per mile of any major form of transportation.
Why Is Sumner Tunnel Closing?
Sumner Tunnel will be closing off and on over the coming weeks and years so workers can make some long-overdue repairs. The tunnel travels one way beginning at Logan International Airport and Route 1A in East Boston and has two exits – one connects to I-93 northbound and downtown Boston near Haymarket Station, and the other connects to Storrow Drive and Nashua Street.
Deadliest Accidents for Massachusetts Commuters
Car accidents in Massachusetts killed 390 people in 2021, as reported by CBS Boston. This is the highest number of statewide traffic fatalities in 12 years. Some of the most dangerous roads in the state include I-93, the Massachusetts Turnpike, I-95, I-495, and State Route 24. Risk factors that make these roads particularly hazardous include traffic congestion, dangerous interchanges, icy winter driving conditions, constantly merging traffic, and reckless drivers.