Traffic Deaths Continue to Rise as Vehicles Return to Roads
| November 8th, 2021
Despite more people staying at home, 2020 saw an increase in traffic fatalities. As people get back on the road, traffic deaths continue to rise, with a 16% increase in traffic deaths in the first six months of 2021. Fatal accidents also result in passengers with serious injuries.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you should hire an attorney to help you pursue fair compensation. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California car accident lawyers have 40 years of experience helping accident victims file claims and ensure they’re properly compensated for their damages.
Why Are Traffic Deaths Increasing?
Unsafe driving practices and reckless drivers cause many traffic accidents and deaths. Speeding, distracted driving, road rage, and drunk driving are all large contributors to serious car accidents that can result in deaths. Failing to obey traffic laws and poor road conditions also contribute to auto accidents.
As the volume of traffic increases, the number of reckless drivers goes up as well. This raises the risk of you being involved in an accident. Protect yourself and your loved ones by taking action to stay safe on the road.
Driving Tips to Keep You Safe
Following these simple safety precautions can reduce the risk of getting into an accident.
● Wear Your Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt can save your life. Since 1960, over 320,000 lives have been saved because they buckled up. Wearing your seatbelt protects your body from being thrown from the vehicle during an accident. In 2019, almost half of all fatalities in accidents were among passengers not wearing their seat belts.
If you have children, make sure they’re using the appropriate car or booster seat for their age and size. Your car seat needs to be installed and used correctly for your child to be properly protected in a crash.
● Don’t Drive Distracted
Everyone has smartphones and newer cars come with touch screen options. Those are added distractions on top of listening to music or talking with other passengers in your vehicle. The more distracted you are, the more likely you’ll get in an accident. It’s estimated that 8 people in the US die every day from crashes involving a distracted driver.
Reduce the number of distractions while you’re driving. Keep electronic devices out of sight, so they don’t tempt you. If you have an important phone call, pull over and stop your car before you take it.
● Follow the Speed Limit
Speeding is a major factor in crashes, with high speeds involved in one-quarter of all traffic fatalities. Higher speeds give you less time to react and can result in more serious crashes and injuries.
Speeding also includes driving too fast for the conditions. Rainfall, snow, and fog can lower a driver’s visibility and make the roads slicker. If you’re dealing with bad weather, you may need to drive below the speed limit to stay safe.
● Move Over for Emergency Vehicles
In many states, including California, it’s the law to move over for passing emergency vehicles to the side of the road. This includes ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, and tow trucks.
● Never Drive Under the Influence
Designate a sober driver if you’re going out for a night of drinking. Never get behind the wheel or in a car with a driver who’s been drinking or using intoxicating substances. Alcohol and drugs impair your ability to concentrate and make decisions. They slow your reaction time and can increase your risk-taking. Drunk driving caused over 10,000 deaths in crashes in 2019.
● Check Your Vehicle for Recalls
Manufacturers send out recall notices when there are safety issues or defective parts involving your car. You can check your vehicle for recalls online by entering your VIN. You should check for recalls periodically and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer if You’re Injured
It’s important to contact a lawyer if you were injured in an accident. Your attorney will help prove if another’s negligence caused your injuries. They can help you file claims so you will be compensated for your injuries. Compensation covers your medical bills, lost wages, and damages to your property.
If you live in California, contact Berg Injury Lawyers. Our legal team can help you file the required paperwork and represent your interests, so you receive a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free case review.
