Every time you hit the road you are putting your safety at risk. As the population grows the roads are becoming busier. Especially in urban areas where there is high congestion, accidents are more prevalent. Driving at very hectic times like rush hour in the morning and the evening makes drivers vulnerable to accidents. There are approximately 6 million accidents that take place each year in the country and more than half will be injury accidents. Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury in the United States every year. They are also the most frequent cause of death for healthy adults in the country.
Each day there are over 90 accidents where lives are lost in the country and 6% of all crashes are fatal. The leading cause of fatal crashes is alcohol consumption, followed by reckless driving, and then speeding. Reckless behavior like distracted driving is a serious problem in the country. Specifically, texting while driving is a growing problem that experts believe will become worse. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was responsible for over 3,000 fatalities in 2017.
There are certain times of the year where car accidents are more prevalent. During the holidays when more people are attending parties and partaking in drinking alcohol, there is a rise in accidents. Additionally, in many parts of the country, the Christmas holiday season is very cold and the weather is treacherous. If weather and alcohol are involved in driving, this combination is extremely risky and negligent. During the summer, there are also more accidents during the Independence Day holiday.
Statistics show that in 95% of all accidents, driver error was to blame. Seatbelts are the most proactive way to reduce fatalities, serious injuries, and ejection from a car during an accident. Because of this, many states have enacted laws that require drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports that crashes that cause injuries are not only traumatizing but expensive. These non-fatal crashes cost the country more than $48 billion in medical expenses as well as the loss of productivity in 2010.
The best thing you can do as a driver is to be alert and responsible when you are behind the wheel. Don’t drive drowsy and keep your cell phone out of reach. Maintain a safe distance between other cars, don’t drive aggressively, and slow down during inclement conditions. Always follow the rules of the road and keep up your car’s maintenance.
However, even the most experienced driver can experience issues on the road that they cannot control. If you find yourself in an accident in Arizona that was not your fault and where you sustained injuries, the Phoenix car accident attorneys can help you with your personal injury claim. Having the help of an Arizona serious injury attorney providing you legal representation will increase your ability to obtain the highest amount of compensation for your damages and losses.
After your catastrophic accident injury experience, call the lawyers at ELG today at 623-562-3838 to set up a free consultation. We have offices in both Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona for your convenience.
The summer season is upon us, and with children out of school, visiting friends, and out playing, there are certain dangers that they’re exposed to more so than when they’re...Read More