Through technological advances, we have been able to find ways to make cars safer. Better regulations and codes have been put in place to hold car manufacturers accountable for installing safety features in their vehicles. Unfortunately, even as our cars have gotten safer, human behavior can still hinder progress. We’ve comprised a list of the top 3 reasons why car accidents are becoming more fatal.
Distracted Drivers
Distracted drivers have become one of the top causes of traffic accidents in the United States. This is despite the statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority which point to a 16.8 percent decline in crashes over the past decade. Distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,477 people and injured 391,000 people according to the latest report by the NHTSA. It has also been reported that approximately 660,000 drivers use their cell phones while driving. Teenagers were reported to be the largest age group of the distracted driving population. Some of the most common bad habits of distracted drivers include cell phone usage, eating food, applying makeup and reaching for an object while driving. Distraction-affected fatalities rose by 8.8 percent from 2014-2015 making it the top reason car accidents are becoming more deadly.
Seat Belt Usage
Of the 35,092 crash related fatalities, the NHTSA reported that 48% of those occupants were unrestrained. Passengers who wear their seat belts are much more likely to survive in a car accident. An individual who is not wearing a seatbelt is more likely to end up completely thrown out of the vehicle. Even though seatbelt usage in the US has increased due to the implementation of the law and safety campaigns, it is still an issue that needs to be addressed. NHTSA reports a 4.9 percent rise in fatalities from 2014-2015.
Speeding
In 2014 alone, the NHTSA reported 9,262 fatalities that were the result of speeding. While driving at over 100 miles per hour is what most people would believe results in car accidents, it is more common among those who drove 5 miles above the speed limit at the wrong place and wrong time. Speeding not only endangers the life of the driver, it also endangers the lives of the individuals on the road at that moment. Some of the most commonly reported reasons behind speeding included road rage, running late, and poor judgment. Unfortunately, speeding-related fatalities continue to rise. There was a 3 percent rise in fatalities from 2014-2015.
While not all car accidents are unavoidable, by following the regulations of the road we can all do our part to create a safer driving environment. If you were recently involved in a car accident, it may be wise to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced Ohio attorney can take care of your medical bills and file court documents, leaving you to focus on getting better. Contact Ohio Accident Attorneys today to get matched with a lawyer in your area.