A tragic crash on Louisiana Highway 67 claimed the lives of four people on Memorial Day. A young couple was returning from a Memorial Day cookout in Denham Springs when the driver tried to make an illegal pass on Highway 67. The vehicle crashed head-on with another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Three adults and a one-year old child were killed in the collision. Investigators are unsure if alcohol was involved and if the occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.
Highway Deaths on the Rise
Late last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that fatalities from traffic accidents had decreased slightly during 2014. However, the first six months of 2015 showed an increase in traffic deaths.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the increase in traffic deaths was a call to action. In a statement, Secretary Foxx called on everyone to take road safety more seriously. “Everyone with a responsibility for road safety – the federal, State and local governments, law enforcement, vehicle manufacturers, safety advocates and road users – needs to reassess our efforts to combat threats to safety. USDOT will redouble our efforts on safety and we expect our partners to do the same.”
What Can I Do To Protect Myself and My Family From Highway Traffic Accidents?
You may not be able to avoid all highway accidents because you cannot control the actions of other drivers; however, you can take steps to decrease your risk of being involved in a highway accident.
- Never drive while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. Alcohol and drugs decrease your response time and impair your ability to make safe driving decisions.
- Obey all traffic laws, especially speed limits. The risk of being involved in a car accident increases with speed. Also, the severity of injuries sustained in a highway accident increases with the speed of the vehicles.
- Avoid distracted driving. Distracted driving, defined as any activity that removes your focus from driving, is an increasing problem. Examples of distracted driving including texting, talking on a cell phone, using other electronic devices, eating, grooming, interacting with passengers, and adjusting the radio.
- Always wear a seat belt and secure children in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for the child’s age.
- Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. This allows you additional time to take evasive action if necessary.
- Always use turn signals. Notifying other drivers of your intention to turn or move into another lane can reduce the risk of a vehicle accident.
For more information about safe driving, visit the Driving Safety page of the NHTSA.
Have You Been Injured In A Highway Accident?
If you or a family member has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you have the legal right to receive compensation for your damages under Louisiana’s personal injury laws. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, physical pain, emotional suffering, and other damages.
The car accident attorneys of The Olinde Firm can help you receive the compensation you deserve and you need as you continue to recover from a motor vehicle accident. Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free legal consultation.