The U.S. records numerous car crashes every year. These accidents range from minor to fatal collisions and can result in property damage, injuries, disabilities, and deaths. It is advisable to protect yourself to avoid becoming another number in car crash statistics.
Car Accident Statistics in the U.S.
Car crashes occur in the U.S. every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), collisions occur almost every minute. In a year, the average number of accidents adds up to millions.
The number of people injured in these road accidents is staggering. More than 3 million people sustain injuries caused by car accidents in the U.S. every year. Of these, about 40% experience permanent injuries and disabilities.
Moreover, vehicle accidents claim many lives. According to NTHSA, about 38,680 people died in car accidents in 2020, a 7.2% increment of those who died in 2019, 36,096. The NTHSA further estimated that 31,720 people died in motor accidents between January and September 2021.
Driving under the influence (DUI) and speeding are the leading causes of motor accidents in the country. DUI was attributed to more than 25% of fatal accidents in 2019, while speeding was blamed for about 9,500 accident fatalities in the same year. Other notable causes of road accidents include:
- Driving unroadworthy vehicles
- Poor road user behavior
- Poor road infrastructure
- Bad weather conditions
How to Stay Safe on the Road
The good news is that motor accidents are preventable, and you can protect yourself from getting in one. The following are helpful tips to keep you safe on the road.
Abide by Speed Limits
Speed limits are set to keep you and other road users safe. Always follow the speed limits designated for the roads you are using, even if there are no other motorists or police and speed cameras to keep you in check. Driving at the indicated limit will increase your safety on the road.
Stay Sober
It is no secret that driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances causes many accidents. This is a major traffic offense in the United States. Also, don’t use prescription drugs that may lead to dizziness and drowsiness. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if the medication you are taking has any effect on your driving.
Avoid Distractions
Since accidents usually happen in a split second, it is recommended that you avoid distracted driving; remain focused and concentrate on driving. Be aware of your surroundings, maintain a good distance from other motorists, look for road signs and avoid making calls or sending messages. Staying alert will help you avoid any mistake that may lead to an accident.
Prepare for Problems
No matter how good you drive, problems will always find you. The issue may be a breakdown, a traffic violation, or a slight collision. Prepare for a breakdown by having safety triangles and repairing equipment. It is also good to have your mechanic on speed dial.
Contact your car accident lawyer for help if you get caught violating traffic laws or have an accident.
Inspect Your Vehicle
Make it a habit to inspect different components of your automobile to avoid any surprises. Begin by checking vital systems in your car, including the brakes, shocks, and tires. Inspect your windshield to ensure it is in good shape and confirm that your dashboard is working. These procedures are simple but effective in keeping you safe on the road.
Stay Safe
Many accidents occur in the U.S. every year. They often cause damage to property, injuries, disabilities, and even death. Following speed limits, staying sober, staying focused, being ready for traffic issues, and assessing your vehicle before driving are instrumental in staying safe on the road.
If you are involved in a crash, it is vital to seek legal representation. A lawyer can help you get fair compensation for the injuries and damages you suffered.
Early in his journalism career, Kerry L. Tucker had a revelation: there were not enough experts reporting on law issues. Legal matters are part of daily life. Yet, there seems to be a general aversion towards them. One of the main reasons for this is that the convoluted legal language is difficult for many people to follow. Therefore, he decided to change how the law is perceived by the public. Throughout his career, he met with many people who shared their personal stories with him. Some of these hit him harder. One of the cases that stayed with him and influenced his future career development was a car accident case involving a child. From then on, he decided to zero in on car accident lawsuits.
