While the main causes of fatal car accidents have been the same for many years, it is common for those who drive in California to have no idea what they are. You might be surprised to learn that most causes are entirely preventable. If you are involved in this or another type of accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Most Fatal Car Accidents Are Preventable
The good news is that data shows that most fatal car accidents were entirely preventable. They are generally caused by at least one driving acting negligently. This could include running a red light, tailgating, not yielding the right of way, and other types of reckless driving. However, there are two behaviors that are most dangerous: Driving while distracted and speeding.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that in the first quarter of 2019, more than 8,000 people died in car accidents. They found that:
- Speeding was a factor in at least one in four of all fatal traffic accidents
- Drunk driving takes the lives of more than 10,000 in an average year
- A person who uses handheld devices while driving is 4x as likely to be involved in an accident than someone who does not
- More than 2,500 traffic deaths could be prevented every year if we had 100% seatbelt compliance
Do any of these facts surprise you?
Main Causes of Car Accidents
The above describes fatal car accidents but the stats are not significantly different for accidents in which there were no fatalities. Their top causes include distracted driving, drunk driving, weather-related accidents, drowsy driving, reckless driving, speeding, and aggressive driving. Note that almost all of these can be prevented.
What Makes an Accident More Likely to Be Fatal?
Any car accident could be fatal. It is true that fatal accidents are more common the more force is involved, which is why speeding is a top factor in fatal car accidents. The faster the drivers are going, the more violent the impact will be, and the more severe the injuries will generally be. While a “minor” accident in a parking lot can be fatal, the most common types of fatal accidents are head-on collisions, rollover accidents, and T-bone accidents.
Have You Been Involved in a Vehicle Accident?
If you have been involved in a car accident, or have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you might have legal recourse. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now to request a free legal consultation. We will carefully consider your case to determine your best legal options.
