You may not realize it, but over the past July 4th holiday weekend – and on many other big holidays - law enforcement officers were out enforcing traffic laws, an activity sponsored by the state sponsored C.A.R.E. organization.  C.A.R.E. stands for “Combined Accident Reduction Effort” and the organization has been working since 1977 to promote cooperation among jurisdictions and reduce accidents on America’s highways.

 

How will C.A.R.E. Reduce Traffic Accidents and Deaths?

C.A.R.E.’s mission is to reduce accidents by strict enforcement to induce drivers and passengers to voluntarily comply with alcohol and drug laws, maximum speed limits, and driving license laws.  In addition, the organization aims to promote and enforce seat belt statues, promote cooperation between member jurisdictions to eliminate violations, maintain efficient traffic movement, enforce other accident-causing violations, and promote high visibility of patrols on designated C.A.R.E. highways during holiday periods (see enforcement dates, below).

 

C.A.R.E. Statistics

 

C.A.R.E. maintains a database where member agencies can enter statistics for their area.  Last year, the statistics gathered by C.A.R.E. members looked like this:

  • Fatal Crashes 980
  • Fatalities 1,113
  • Fatalities W/Seat Belt 414
  • DUI arrests 33,286
  • Speeding Citations 634,612
  • Seat Belt Citations 233,326
  • Seat Belt Warnings 23,605
  • Child Restraint Citations 20,343
  • Child Restraint Warnings 1,774
  • Highway Collisions 65,171
  • Alcohol Related Collisions 4,255

 

Most Fatal Holidays

 

Labor Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Thanksgiving are considered the most fatal holiday weekend periods on the road.  You can see why from the statistics below, which reflect incidents that occurred only on those holidays.  Clearly, there is a good reason that law enforcement officers step up their patrols during these critical times.

  • All Hwy Fatal Crashes 858
  • All Hwy Fatalities/Deaths 975
  • All Hwy Fatalities W/belts 365
  • Alcohol Related Crashes 3,526
  • DUI Arrests 28,094
  • Speed Citations 567,079
  • Seat Belt Citations 138,895

 

In 2007, Memorial Day accounted for 164 or 19.1% of traffic fatalities, July 4th was the deadliest holiday with 236 or 27.5% of deaths on the road, Labor Day accounted for 230 or 26.8%, and Thanksgiving 228 or 26.5%.

 

2008 C.A.R.E. Enforcement Dates

 

Wondering when the next highway patrol C.A.R.E. enforcement will be coming to a road near you?  Here is their complete 2008 schedule:

  • All American Buckle-Up Week:  May 19, 2008 - May 26, 2008
  • Memorial Day Weekend:  May 23, 2008 - May 26, 2008
  • July 4th Holiday:  July 3, 2008 - July 6, 2008
  • Labor Day Weekend:  August 29, 2008 - September 1, 2008
  • Thanksgiving Holiday:  November 26, 2008 - November 30, 2008
  • CARE Life Saver Weekend:  December 19, 2008 - December 21, 2008

 

Even though you are looking out for your own safety on the road, the above statistics show that not all drivers are as careful.  If you’ve been the victim of a serious auto accident, then we can help.  Please contact the Northern Virginia law offices of Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas today and let us work with you to secure the justice and compensation that you deserve.

 

DULANEY, LAUER & THOMAS, LLP

Warrenton Office

98 Alexandria Pike, Suite 11

Warrenton, VA 20186

Toll Free: 888.907.2631

Local: 540.349.2631

 

Culpeper Office

209 N. West Street

Culpeper, VA 22701

Toll Free: 800.741.1012

Local: 540.825.6046

Richard A. Dulaney
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Richard has over 30 years of experience in personal injury law.

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