My family and I drove to Lexington, Va from Roanoke, Va to take in a drive in movie at Hull’s Drive-In this past Saturday night. We were trying to make the 7pm admission, as is often the case with two kids in tow, we were running a bit behind schedule. As I came down the entrance ramp at the 5-81, I-81 interchange, a sinking feeling came over me that we might not make that 7pm admission time and get that coveted clear view space. Traffic on I-81 was horrendous, a fact that I had neglected to consider when planning our evening. We were fortunate, it was busy and bumper to bumper at times, and while it slowed for construction zones and general rubber necking, we were never held up and made it to the drive in with time to spare before the movie began.
Unfortunately, that was not the case for drivers on I-81 earlier today. An SUV traveling on southbound I-81 struck a tractor trailer that was disabled on the side of the road. Travis Martin of Powhatan, Va was driving with a revoked license when he struck the back of the tractor trailer. Martin’s license had been revoked due to a previous DUI. It is not clear whether alcohol was a factor in Tuesday’s crash. Martin has been charged with driving with a revoked license and reckless driving. His passenger, who has not been named was killed in the crash. The driver of the Ford Expedition SUV and the tractor trailer driver were not hurt in the accident. All lanes of I-81 were closed for several hours on the July 4 holiday.
According Esurance and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Fourth of July is the worst day of the year for highway fatalities. Based on recent data, approxiamately 200 people on average have died on America’s roadways in recent years over the Independence Day Weekend. Many of those accidents are due to DUI.
The Fourth of July is also a high volume weekend for boating accidents. Many of those boating accidents are due to alcohol use while boating, excessive speed in high volume areas and boat operater distraction.
And, sadly traveling by boat or car is not the only way to find yourself in an Emergency Room on the Fourth. Fireworks are still a major cause of serious injury. Misuse of fireworks and malfunction are the primary causes of these horrific accidents. Injuries sustained in firework accidents include loss of limbs, death, severe burns, eye injuries and permanent scarring. My advice: leave the fireworks to the professionals.
If you or someone you love has been harmed due to someone else’s negligence, call The Thomson Law Firm in Roanoke today. We are here to talk with you and answers questions you may have. Call today, we offer FREE consultations. (540) 777-4900.
