What Are the Top Causes of Car Crashes in the United States?
Each year, thousands of people are injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents throughout the United States. During 2015, 35,092 people lost their lives in crashes in the United States with 3,176 of those fatalities occurring in California. Over 2.5 million people suffer injuries in car accidents that require a trip to the emergency room, and 200,000 of those injuries require the person to be hospitalized.
Unfortunately, the number car accidents appear to be increasing. Below are seven of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States.
Reckless Driving and Speeding
During 2013, almost 10,000 people died nationwide in collisions caused by a speeding driver. Experts and engineers who understand safety principals regarding roads work with government agencies to set safe speeds. Exceeding these speeds increases your risk of a crash. Furthermore, the faster you are traveling, the longer it takes for you to come to a complete stop.
Cell Phone Use
Texting while driving and talking on cell phones while driving causes over 1.5 million accidents each year. Most states now ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Unfortunately, even hands-free cell phone use can be distracting enough to cause an accident. To avoid the distraction, turn off your cell phone while driving or activate the “do not disturb” feature to prevent calls and texts while driving.
Driving While Impaired
The number of alcohol-impaired accidents that resulted in a fatality increased in California between 2013 and 2014. Drugged driving is also a problem in our state. During 2013, 32 percent of all drivers who died in car accidents who were tested for drugs tested positive for legal and/or illegal drugs. Drunk driving is easy to avoid — always have a designated driver or use public transportation if you are drinking.
Fatigued or Drowsy Driving
The number of fatigued and drowsy driving accidents is also increasing. About one-fifth of accidents are caused by drivers who are drowsy or fatigued. Being tired or sleepy can cause you to lose focus, which is extremely dangerous behind the wheel of a vehicle. It is important to get a good night’s sleep, especially if you plan to take a long road trip the next day.
Poor Weather Conditions
Over 1.5 million accidents each year can be attributed to weather conditions. Fog, rain, sleet, and snow create dangerous driving conditions. Remember, speed limits are set for perfect conditions. When the weather is bad, slow down to decrease your risk of being in a car crash.
Call A Fresno Car Accident Attorney for Help
If you are injured in a car crash caused by another driver, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Hiring an experienced Fresno car accident attorney to investigate the accident is the first step in protecting your right to receive full compensation. Before you make a mistake that could hurt your accident claim, call our office for a free consultation with an attorney.
Call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000 or use our convenient online contact form to request more information or schedule your free appointment.
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