Car accidents kill and hurt more people than anything else in the United States. In 2016, car accidents killed 37,461 people and hurt 2.44 million more. On average, that means more than 100 people die, and 6,500 people are hurt every day.
The fact that these numbers have been going up over the past few years is even more shocking. In 2015, car accidents killed 35,092 people and hurt 2.34 million more. That’s a 5.6% rise in deaths and a 4.5% rise in injuries.
This rise is caused by a number of things, such as speeding, driving while distracted, and driving while drunk. As a driver, you should be aware of these numbers and do what you can to avoid becoming one of them.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents?
One of the most common reasons for car accidents is that the driver is not paying attention. In 2016, distraction was a factor in 10% of crashes that ended in death and 18% of crashes that left people hurt. Distracted driving comes in many forms, like talking on the phone, texting, surfing the web, or even talking to other people in the car.
Another common reason for car accidents is speeding. In 2016, speeding was a factor in 26% of crashes that ended in death and 14% of crashes that left people hurt. Speeding makes it more likely that you’ll lose control of your car and makes it worse if you do crash.
Drunk driving is another big reason why people get into car accidents. In 2016, alcohol was a factor in 28% of crashes that ended in death and 10% of crashes that left people hurt. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’re going to drink. Even if you don’t have too much to drink, alcohol can affect your ability to think and act.
What Can You Do To Prevent Car Accidents?
You can avoid car accidents by doing a number of things. The best thing a driver can do is keeping their attention on the road. Put your phone and other things that are distracting you away and pay attention to what’s going on around you. Follow the speed limit and give the car in front of you plenty of space. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive. Designate a sober driver or take a taxi or Lyft.
Accidents in cars are dangerous, but there are things you can do to keep them from happening. You can help if you keep your eyes on the road and go no faster than the speed limit.
There are other things drivers can do to avoid car accidents, such as:
- Avoiding tailgating
- Keeping their car in good condition
- Obeying traffic signals
- Yielding to pedestrians
- Looking both ways before turning
- Being extra cautious in bad weather conditions
Conclusion
If you or someone you care about has been in a car accident, you might feel confused and unsure of what to do next. An attorney with a lot of experience can help you get through the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the money you deserve. If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t wait to get help. Call us at (714) 586-8298 or visit Garcia and Phan to talk to a personal injury lawyer today.
