A report from the National Safety Council (NSC) has revealed that fatal accidents are on the rise in the United States. In 2016, motor-vehicle crash deaths jumped to 40,200 – an increase of 6 percent compared to 2015.
Last year was the first time since 2007 that the fatality rate surpassed 40,000. Injuries are up, too: An estimated 4.6 million people sought medical attention after car wrecks – a 7-percent increase compared to 2015.
Why the sudden spike? The New York Times points to a variety of factors, from more people using the road to lenient traffic regulations. One of the primary reasons might be the most avoidable: driving while browsing social media.
If you were hurt in an accident with a distracted driver who was using social media, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A personal-injury attorney will assess your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids.
Read on to learn how to avoid the top four causes of car accidents:
- Drunk Driving
Despite awareness campaigns that remind drivers not to get behind the wheel drunk, alcohol continues to be a primary contributor to car wrecks. If you plan to drink, make transportation arrangements before you go out. You should also keep your distance from drivers who show these signs of intoxication:
- Swerving;
- Straddling two lanes;
- Drifting onto the shoulder;
- Almost hitting a curb;
- Stopping far before or after a stop line; or
- Driving at night with the headlights turned off.
- Driving Too Fast for the Conditions
Speeding contributed to an estimated 27 percent of motor-vehicle accidents in 2015, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Reduce your speed when driving at night and in inclement weather.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become widespread in the United States. In 2015, an estimated 542,000 passenger-vehicle drivers were using cell phones behind the wheel at any given daylight moment, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
No text message is worth losing your life. Stow your phone in the glove compartment or put it on silent before you start the engine.
- Tailgating
According to the Washington Post, there are approximately 1.7 million rear-end collisions in the United States annually, and tailgating is a primary cause. Following too closely shortens the distance you have to stop suddenly, and it prevents you from seeing obstacles in the road ahead.
When travelling on the highway, it is best to maintain at least three seconds of following distance from the leading vehicle. Increase that distance to six seconds when driving in congested traffic.
If you were injured or lost a family member due to another driver’s negligence, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. An injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids will help you pursue the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages.
Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation. Visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about car accident injury claims in Iowa.
