Car Accident Statistics in the USA
Car accidents are a major problem in the United States. According to the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the estimate for motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the first three months of 2021 showed that 8730 people died due to auto accidents this year alone and added up 10%. The increase cannot come at a worse time given recent declines in driving per capita along with decreasing VMT figures between 2020-2021, according to preliminary data reported by FHWA going down 2%.
Many people in Arizona don’t think about car accidents until they or a loved one is in one. And in that case, you will need the help of the Tucson Car Accident Attorney.
The good news is that there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident, even if the other driver was at fault. By following these simple steps, you may lower your chances of an auto collision by as much as 80%.
Do Not Drink and Drive
Do not drive when your blood alcohol concentration is at or above 0.08 percent because this can decrease coordination and slow reaction time significantly. Remember that if a police officer pulls you over for an alleged traffic violation and believes you are under the influence, your license will be suspended.
If you are tired, pull over and take a 20-minute power nap to restore your energy levels before continuing with the trip. Napping at service areas is also beneficial as long as they do not present a safety hazard, such as:
Heavy truck traffic or no nearby exits in case of emergency.
Stay Alert
Drivers should stay alert while driving and avoid:
- Using their phones unless they use a hands-free device.
- Eating while driving, which can lead to accidents if drivers become distracted with food instead of watching the road ahead.
- Driving under the influence of prescription or recreational substances.
Drivers should also keep their eyes on the road at all times and not look down to read a map or rummage through their glove compartment. To avoid being distracted by a cell phone or other device while driving, pull over in a safe area first before checking messages so that you can respond accordingly without compromising safety on the road or violating traffic laws.
Have Control
Drivers should keep both hands on the wheel as much as possible to have full control of their vehicle if something unexpected happens, such as swerving around an animal in the street, which could lead to a collision.
Wear Seat Belt
Finally, drivers should always wear their seat belts every time they get into the car to protect themselves if an accident occurs. Not wearing a seatbelt is one of the main reasons people are ejected from vehicles during crashes and killed because they hit their head on another part of the vehicle or crash with it at high speeds.
The statistics of car accidents in the USA are alarming, which is why it’s essential to take precautions and decrease your risk as much as possible. If you follow the steps above, you may be able to avoid a collision entirely or lessen its impact if an accident occurs.