With U.S. income taxes due today, there will surely be banter around water coolers across the country on the subject of taxes, including a myriad of jokes about paying Uncle Sam.
“If my business gets much worse, I won’t have to lie on my next tax return.”
“When it comes to taxes, there are two types of people. There are those that get it done early, also known as psychopaths, and then the rest of us.”
“Drive carefully. Uncle Sam needs every taxpayer he can get.”
It turns out, there’s actually something to that last one.
A study in the most recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, reviewed data on fatal road crashes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from the past 30 years. The study found there are consistently more fatal car crashes on Tax Day each year, compared with other days. On average there are 13 more deaths – approximately a 6 percent increase – compared with other days.
What is going on? The study authors speculate that added stress of a deadline could lead to more distracted driving, or that people could be consuming more alcohol on tax day. Whatever the reason, they suggest a public health campaign to remind people to drive carefully on Tax Day.
Drive safely today!
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