FACTORS THAT PUT YOU AT RISK OF DYING IN A CAR CRASH
The most recent data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is from 2019. It shows that 36,096 individuals lost their lives in car crashes that year.
When you look at data regarding these accidents, trends start to emerge as to when and why these fatal crashes occur. You may be able to use this information about why these accidents happen to avoid becoming involved in a crash yourself. Information is, after all, the key to better protection.
WAYS DRIVING HAS BECOME LESS DEADLY
The percentage of alcohol-involved fatalities decreased by 5.3% from 2019 to 2018. This index accounts for a reduction of at least 568 deaths. The number of alcohol-involved fatal motor vehicle accidents reached the lowest percentage it’s been since 1982 in 2019. There was also a 2.9% reduction in the bicyclist fatality rate, and a 2.7%, decrease in pedestrian fatalities over 2018.
Federal officials also recorded a 4% reduction in urban fatalities between 2018 and 2019. This percentage equates to 813 overall fewer deaths via traffic fatalities. The NHTSA also determined that traffic fatalities, which are generally high between April and June, were trending downward in 2019.
FACTORS THAT ARE LEADING TO UPTICKS IN TRAFFIC FATALITIES
The news isn’t all good, however. NHTSA’s data shows that some driving choices gave way to more fatalities in 2019 than in earlier years.
The federal agency determined that fatal accidents among motorists 16 to 24 were increasing. So too were rollover with ejections and motorists engaging in risky driving behaviors. There was also an uptick in fatal accidents involving motorists driving older cars (ten years or older) in 2019.
NHTSA data also noted that most fatal crashes in 2019 happened on rural roads — which makes sense for several reasons. Drivers tend to be less cautious on rural roads in the first place. Plus, when accidents do happen, it can take a while for emergency responders to arrive.
WHAT TO DO IF A LOVED LOST THEIR LIFE IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT
Drunk driving, speeding and other reckless behaviors are often to blame for many fatal crashes in California. You owe it to your loved one’s memory to hold any negligent motorist who prematurely extinguished your loved one’s life accountable for their indiscretion. A motor vehicle accident attorney can help.