The day that is for some, the worst day of the year, has arrived-Tax Day. Procrastinators throughout the United States, including in the Pittsburgh area, are likely scrambling to complete their income tax return. While this is the focus of many people today, a recent study suggests that drivers throughout the nation should pay a little more attention to what is happening around them on the road.

The study indicates that Tax Day, traditionally April 15 of each year, is the most deadly day of the month, at least where fatal motor vehicle accidents are concerned. This conclusion was reached in a study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, utilizing data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The data covered 30 years, from 1980 through 2009.

Specifically, the study found that throughout the 30 year period, there was an average of 226 fatal traffic accidents on that day. This is 6 percent higher than the number recorded on other days in April. Pedestrians and vehicle passengers were more likely than those behind the wheel to be killed in these incidents.

In addition to the loss of life, the lead author of the study determined that those13 additional deaths each year have had a financial impact on society. In total, he indicated that the dollar amount is around $40 million each year.

The study did not indicate why the number spikes on that day. It also did not determine where those involved were headed when the fatal car accidents occurred or if they had completed their income tax return at an earlier date. The speculation however is that the accidents could be due to there being more people on the road that day, trying to get to the post office to get their completed tax return in the mail.

Source: Huffington Post, "Deadly Car Crashes Spike By 6 Percent On Tax Day: Study," Lindsey Tanner, April 10, 2012