Top Causes of Auto Accident Fatalities
A car accident can lead to serious injuries or death, leaving victims and their families uncertain of their financial future. At Worby Vecchio Edelman, LLP, in White Plains, NY, our car accident lawyer works with accident victims to maximize settlements and ease financial burdens.
It's every driver's responsibility to drive as safely as possible, but still, some drivers are negligent behind the wheel. Unfortunately, driver negligence can have grave consequences. Understanding the top causes of auto accident fatalities can help people avoid fatal accidents and stay safe on the road.
Auto Accident Fatalities
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 36,560 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2018. While this is a 2.4 percent decrease from the NHTSA's findings for 2017, it's still a significant number.
Educating drivers on the causes of auto accident fatalities and how to avoid them is one of the best ways to reduce accidents and fatalities. The following are some of the top causes of auto accident fatalities.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is more prevalent than many think, and many people are surprised to learn that things they do behind the wheel are considered distracted driving.
Distracted driving occurs any time a driver loses focus from driving. This could be as brief as changing the radio station, talking to a passenger, or taking a bite of food or a sip of a drink. More egregious examples of distracted driving include writing or reading a text, reaching behind the seat to grab something, or typing in an address into a GPS system.
Paying attention and limiting distractions can help reduce distracted driving accidents and fatalities.
Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions can impact a person's ability to drive safely. Ice, rain, and snow make the roads slick and can interfere with visibility, making drivers more likely to lose control of their vehicles.
Drivers can reduce their risk of accidents from poor weather conditions by postponing nonessential driving until weather improves.
Driving While Drowsy
Driving while drowsy is dangerous. Sleepy drivers are more likely to swerve into other lanes, veer off the road, or lose control of their vehicle.
Drowsy drivers in White Plains should pull over or stop to take a break until they are rested enough to safely drive.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
According to the NHTSA, drunk driving kills about 30 people every day and over 10,000 people every year. Drinking impairs judgment and muscle coordination.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving happens anytime someone disregards the rules of the road and the safety of others. Speeding, running stop signs or stop lights, failing to yield, driving in the shoulder, or weaving in and out of traffic are all examples of reckless driving that can cause a fatal car crash.
Drivers can reduce the risk of fatalities from reckless driving by driving in accordance with all traffic laws, including driving the speed limit and obeying signals. Avoiding other people's reckless driving can be more challenging, but staying focused while driving, looking both ways before crossing an intersection, and being mindful of checking mirrors can help drivers see and avoid hazards.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney
Negligent drivers should be held accountable for the injuries or fatalities they cause. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you are encouraged to call our law firm in White Plains at (914) 686-3700 to schedule a consultation. Our attorneys help victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserve.