I heard an interesting statistic on the radio recently.  According to the report, August is the deadliest month for auto fatalities in the United States.   After conducting some research, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety confirmed this report.   The reason is not surprising.  More miles are logged on our nation’s roads in August than in any other month.  Obviously, this increases the risk and likelihood that a fatal accident will occur.

In August 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,864 people died in U.S. traffic accidents.  That’s down almost 300 from August 2008. Nonetheless, August remains the deadliest month on the roads.

The report also showed 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. is the deadliest time to be on the road, regardless of the month.  In 2009, 32 percent of traffic deaths happened between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.  The lowest number of fatalities occurred between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.

As for the causes of the fatalities, the results again were not surprising.  Speed was a factor in 31 percent of traffic fatalities and drunk driving was a factor in 32 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2009.

Please keep this mind as you travel this month.  Always make sure you have enough rest when operating a car, truck or motorcycle, don’t speed, don’t drink and drive, and always buckle your seat belt.