Have you ever been injured in a car accident? Are you worried this could happen again? Are you concerned that you’ll one day be involved in your first crash?
As unfortunate as it may be, you take a risk every time you get behind the wheel of your car. Even if you’re a safe driver who follows all the rules of the road, you don’t have control over others. There are negligent drivers all around who increase the risk of an accident.
The more you learn more about car accidents and safe driving in general, the more confidence you’ll have when you take to the road.
Here are five car accident statistics that will open your eyes, and hopefully allow you to maintain a high level of safety at all times.
Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of injury deaths and second leading cause of hospitalizations and ER visits in Georgia. (Georgia Department of Public Health)
This is scary no matter how you look at it. When it comes to injury deaths, hospitalizations, and ER visits, motor vehicle crashes are a primary culprit in the state of Georgia.
While some people are lucky enough to walk away from an accident in good health, this isn’t always the case.
A statistical projection of traffic fatalities for 2020 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that an estimated 38,680 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, up 7.2 percent from 36,096 fatalities in 2019. (Insurance Information Institute, Inc.)
If that’s not enough to open your eyes, consider this: This increase in fatalities came during a time in which COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were at their peak. In other words, there were fewer people on the nation’s roadways, but the number of traffic fatalities still increased by more than seven percent.
Every day about 8 people in the United States are killed in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Think about that for a second. This isn’t the total number of people killed in car crashes every day in the United States. It’s just those that are caused by distracted driving. Even with laws in every state to protect against this, it remains a serious issue.
The best thing you can do is avoid distractions, such as talking on the phone and texting, while driving. Secondly, beware that not all drivers will take the same level of caution. Another person could cause an accident as a result of a distraction.
Every day, about 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 52 minutes. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Just the same as distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and/or prescription medication is extremely dangerous.
Look for signs that other drivers may be under the influence, such as swerving, failure to react to traffic signals, or driving extremely slow or fast.
The number of fatalities involving a drowsy driver was 697 or 1.9 percent of total fatalities in 2019. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Drowsy driving is preventable, but it remains a common cause of accidents throughout the country.
There are many causes of drowsy driving, including a lack of sleep and the use of some medications. Be particularly aware of commercial truck drivers, as it’s not always easy for them to get enough quality sleep.
A car accident has the potential to turn your life upside down. From injuries to property damage to the financial burden, a crash will have you rethinking the future.
If you find yourself managing the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, realize that you’re not alone. There’s help to be had, and at the Hines Law Firm, we’re available to assist you every step of the way.
Our experienced team of legal professionals can answer your questions, provide guidance, and protect your legal rights. Contact us online or via phone at 770-941-0913 to learn more about our law firm and to schedule a free consultation.
