Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. In 2016, there were 37,461 deaths and 2.44 million injuries due to car accidents. That averages out to more than 100 deaths and 6,500 injuries every day.
Even more startling is that these numbers have been rising in recent years. In 2015, there were 35,092 deaths and 2.34 million injuries due to car accidents. That’s an increase of 5.6% for deaths and 4.5% for injuries.
Several factors contribute to this increase, including distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving. If you’re a driver, it’s important to be aware of these statistics and take steps to avoid becoming a part of them.
What are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. In 2016, distraction was a factor in 10% of all fatal crashes and 18% of all injury crashes. Distracted driving can take many forms, including talking on the phone, texting, browsing the internet, and even talking to passengers.
Speeding is another common cause of car accidents. In 2016, speeding was a factor in 26% of all fatal crashes and 14% of all injury crashes. Speeding increases the chances of losing control of your vehicle and the severity of a crash if you have one.
Drunk driving is another major cause of car accidents. In 2016, alcohol was a factor in 28% of all fatal crashes and 10% of all injury crashes. If you’re going to drink, don’t get behind the wheel. Even if you’re not over the legal limit, alcohol can impair your judgment and reaction time.
What Can You Do to Prevent Car Accidents?
There are several things you can do to prevent car accidents. If you’re a driver, the best thing you can do is to stay focused on the road. Put away your phone and other distractions and pay attention to what’s happening around you. Follow the speed limit and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive. Designate a sober driver or take a taxi or Lyft.
Car accidents are a serious problem, but there are things you can do to prevent them. You can make a difference by staying focused on the road and following the speed limit.
Some other steps that drivers can take to prevent car accidents include:
- Avoiding tailgating
- Keeping their car in good condition
- Obeying traffic signals
- Yielding to pedestrians
- looking both ways before turning
- Being extra cautious in bad weather conditions
What to do if you’re in a Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. The aftermath of a car accident can be confusing and stressful, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and interests. One of the best things you can do is to contact a personal injury attorney.
An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t wait to get help. Contact a personal injury attorney today at 2H Law or Call us at (619) 374-9320
