Car Accidents: A Leading Cause of Death In the United States

Unintentional injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2021, 219,487 people died due to an accidental injury, and many of these deaths were a result of car accidents.

Highway safety is a serious issue in the United States. Every day, car accidents claim the lives of thousands of people. In 2021 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that approximately 42,915 people were killed in car accidents. This averages out to be one death every 12 minutes. This represents an increase of roughly 10.5% over 2020 and a 16-year high.

Preventing Car Accidents

You can do many things to reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. The first thing you can do is wear your seatbelt when driving or riding in a car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelts saved an estimated 14,668 lives in 2020.

Another important thing you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident is to obey the speed limit. Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Speeding is a factor in approximately 30% of all car accidents.

You can also reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident by avoiding distractions while driving. Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the task of driving. Common distractions include talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, and adjusting the radio.

If you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, do not get behind the wheel of a car. Driving while impaired is one of the most dangerous things you can do. If you drink, make sure you have a designated driver.

Before you get on the road, check the weather forecast and plan your route accordingly. If you are driving in bad weather, take it slow and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Staying informed about road conditions and weather conditions can save your life.

Following these simple tips can help reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. Car accidents are preventable, and everyone has a role to play in highway safety.

Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. A car accident lawyer can help you recover damages for your injuries and hold the responsible party accountable.

No one deserves to be injured in a car accident, but unfortunately, accidents happen every day. The attorneys at Saladino & Schaaf have years of experience representing Kentuckians in car accident cases. For a FREE consultation, contact us online or at 270-444-0406 (Paducah Office) or 270-753-1529 (Murray Office).