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Causes of Car Accident Fatalities Washington D.C. Auto Accident Lawyer
According to The National Highway and Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 36,000 people died in car accidents in 2019, down two percent from 2018. It was the third year in a row that the number has decreased.
In other major traffic fatality categories, fatalities also decreased. There was nearly a three percent decrease in fatalities among passengers, a three percent decrease among bicyclists, and a 2.7 percent decrease among pedestrians.
The fatality rate in 2019 was 1.1 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, the lowest in six years. Unfortunately, many of these tragic accidents were avoidable.
Here are four major causes of fatal accidents:
- Speeding: The NHTSA says that speeding has been a factor in almost one-third of car accident fatalities for more than twenty years.
- Driving While Impaired: In 2018, alcohol played a role in 29 percent of fatalities. Over 10,000 people die annually from something that should never have happened- do not drink and drive. Alcohol impairs thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination. Please, call an Uber or taxi, or have a friend drive you home.
- Distracted driving. Texting, talking, changing the music, eating, drinking – these all take your attention away from the road. When driving a motor vehicle, you must remain alert at all times. Nearly 3,000 people die annually from texting drivers.
- Reckless Driving. Reckless driving leads to nearly 33 percent of fatal car accidents. This includes weaving through traffic, speeding, neglecting to stop at a red light or stop sign, and unsafe passing of other cars.
Driving is a staple of American life. More than three trillion miles are driven every year by Americans. It’s easy to think that driving is not that dang
erous. However, driving is 86 times more dangerous than flying, 10 times more dangerous than public transportation, and 18 times more dangerous than the metro or subway!
There are some actions that every driver should take to be safer while on the road. You should make sure that you and any other passengers are wearing a seat belt. Obey each and every road sign and traffic signal. Be sure to adjust your driving to the weather conditions. Leave earlier than you think you need to.
Accidents can change a person’s life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, the experienced attorneys at Cohen & Cohen can help get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free, zero obligation case evaluation.
