A report by the World Health Organization shows that the number of global road accident fatalities surpasses 1.35 million every year. Another report by the Esurance group shows that more than 77% of drivers in the world have been accident victims, at least once in their lifetime. Some of the accidents happen as a result of uncontrollable factors, although we can still control some by observing the road rules.
Accidents affect everybody, including those who were not at fault. And when they happen, everyone can get full compensation, thanks to the auto injury laws. As referenced in https://bencelawfirm.com/car-accident-lawyer/, the victims who seek the help of auto injury lawyers improve their chances of getting justice. Auto injury lawyers are experienced, and that is why their support in accidents cases cannot be underestimated.
In this guide, we will take you through the main statistical risks of being involved in a car accident. Hopefully, you will find this information helpful to help you make informed decisions as a driver, passenger or a pedestrian.
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Distracted driving
Distracted driving accidents happen when drivers participate in other things which distract them from driving well. When the driver multitasks, it becomes impossible to concentrate on the road, and that’s how the accidents happen. According to statistics, 25 to 50% of accidents that occur in the United States happen as a result of distracted driving. The cell phone is the leading type of distraction, with at least 85% of those accidents occurring as a result of using a cellphone when driving. Other causes of driving distractions include talking, eating and much more.
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Bad weather
A report by the Federal Highway Administration shows that 22% of annual accidents in the United States are related to poor weather conditions. The annual death rates for these accidents are 6,000 while the injuries add up to 445,000 per year, on average. Rain, for instance, disrupts the vision of the driver, thus increasing the vulnerability of the vehicle to an accident. Snow and fog can also cause accidents in cold areas or during winter. If possible, drivers should avoid driving when the roads are slippery, or when the weather conditions are not right.
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Overspeeding
All vehicles have a specific speed limit that the driver should not surpass. When the driver increases that speed, the car becomes prone to accidents. Most drivers overspeed when they are in a rush to reach a certain destination before the deadline. Statistically, 26% of the annual road accidents in the United States happen due to overspeeding. If you ever get caught speeding, visit louisianaspeedingticket.com to find the next steps to resolve this. You may also find a lawyer who specializes in traffic ticket defense in Corona and many other California cities. Drivers should learn to drive within the set speed limits to avoid causing overspeeding related injuries and fatalities.
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Drunk driving
As the name implies, drunk driving accidents happen when the driver is under the influence of alcohol, or any hard drunk. Alcohol interferes with normal eyesight vision, making it hard to see the road. Too much use of alcohol can also affect your mind or decrease your muscle energy. Drunk driving accidents are common, as statistics show that an average of 13,000 fatalities happens every year in the United States, as a result of drunk driving. Drivers should avoid taking any hard drink before driving to reduce the occurrence of these accidents.
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Teenage drivers
Young people aged between 16 to 19 years risk getting auto accidents whenever they drive. This is because they are still young and lack the necessary driving experience. Besides, most of them are reckless, and they do not readily observe road rules and regulations. Statistically, more than 60% of teenage drivers get accidents. Nearly 40% of those accidents happen as a result of recklessness. To reduce the number of teenage accidents, parents should caution their children against getting on the wheel without the close supervision of an experienced driver.
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Reckless driving
Reckless driving is another leading cause of accidents. Statistically, it causes 33% of the annual accident deaths in the United States, which translates to 13,000 people every year. Generally, reckless driving is any violation of the roads and regulations. The people who cause these types of accidents already know the rules, but they always choose to disobey them. Other than being a primary cause of accidents, reckless driving is a crime. The common types of reckless driving include avoiding the traffic signals, weaving through the traffic, or passing in the areas indicated as no passing areas.
The above are the leading risk factors of accidents, although there are other minor causes as well. Drivers should avoid being reckless, prevent drunk driving and avoid overspeeding to reduce the number of accidents on our roads. Accident victims should also feel free to report the cases to get timely compensation.
