10 Killed in Holiday Weekend Crashes in Pennsylvania
According to Pennsylvania State Police, 10 people were killed and 361 were injured in 712 crashes investigated by troopers across PA over the four-day Fourth of July travel period. The Patriot-News, reported that 72 of the crashes were alcohol-related, including three of the fatal crashes. Over the four days, troopers arrested 339 persons for driving under the influence.
In 2009, 9 people died over the three-day Fourth of July weekend and 206 people were injured in 447 crashes investigated by troopers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drinking and driving remains a top safety issue in Pennsylvania. In 2008, there were 12,752 alcohol-related crashes and 534 fatalities caused by alcohol-related traffic accidents.
Statistics showed 90% of the alcohol-related occupant deaths (drivers and passengers) were in the vehicle driven by the drinking driver; 75% were the drinking drivers themselves. On an average each day, 1.5 persons were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes.
In 2008, 14% of all holiday crashes involved alcohol use; however, 44% of deaths, which occurred during holiday weekends were related to alcohol use.
Anyone involved in an alcohol-related auto accident would be well advised to contact an experienced Philadelphia auto accident attorney familiar with Pennsylvania dram shop laws.
The skilled PA car accident lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP have the experience and knowledge that are necessary to represent clients involved in even the most complex car accident cases. When preparing your case, our skilled team of attorneys will review all relevant facts to assist in determining which party was at fault and who should assume responsibilities. Some factors that may be of importance during this process may include road conditions, weather conditions, the condition of the vehicles involved (i.e. faulty or defective auto parts), and whether or not alcohol or drugs were involved. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights.
