As the old saying goes, "nothing is certain but death and taxes," and on April 15th, the two seem to coincide in a disturbing way, reports Bloomberg.
New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that April 15th, the traditional federal tax filing day, is one of the most dangerous days to be on the road. Over the last 30 years, traffic fatalities on April 15th are 6 percent higher than on similar days in the same month.
"An increase of risk in this magnitude is about the same as what we observe on Super Bowl Sunday, a time notorious in the U.S. for drinking and driving," lead researcher Donald Redelmeier told the news source.
The study suggests that stress, alcohol use, lack of sleep and general aggression could all be contributing to fatal accidents on tax day. Previous studies have also suggested that psychological distress could result in fatal accidents.
Drivers who want to avoid accidents should ensure that their car is in tip-top condition so they don't fall prey to a mechanical failure. Regular auto maintenance and putting on a pair of new tires can help avoid issues on the road.