Avoiding Fatal Car Crashes
The coronavirus pandemic has many states and countries around the world on stay at home orders. With more residents at home, there are fewer cars on the road. An estimated 270 million Americans are socially isolating because of the coronavirus pandemic. A silver lining is that fatal crashes are on the decline. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, car crash-related fatalities in Nevada dropped almost 50% last month. In March of 2019, 23 people died in car crashes, compared to just 12 people in March of 2020. Boston reported a decline in fatal car crashes, too. From March 15th to April 1st, there were 11 car crash-related fatalities. The same 18-day window last year saw 18 car crash-related fatalities. Washington saw a 100% drop in fatal car crashes.
But just because there is less traffic on the roads, doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. In fact, Minnesota saw a rise in fatal crashes despite the decline in traffic. They experienced 28 fatalities last month compared to only 12 this time last year.
So how can we continue avoiding fatal car crashes? As we continue to adjust to new ways of living, it’s important we remain vigilant on the roads. We look at some of the top causes of fatal car accidents and how to avoid them during COVID-19.
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Top Causes of Fatal Crashes
- No Seatbelt. Seatbelts dramatically reduce the risk of car crash-related injuries and fatalities.
- Drug or Alcohol Impairment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day 29 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver.
- High Speed. A 2018 report by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration found that speeding has been involved in about one third of all motor vehicle fatalities. The faster someone is driving, the less time they have to react in a dangerous situation to avoid a crash.
- Distracted Driving. Driving while talking or texting on the phone is a common form of distracted driving. Safe driving requires focus. When your focus is split, your chances of getting into an accident increases.
- Drowsy Driving. Driving while ill, fatigued, or drowsy is a common reason for auto crashes. While distracted driving splits your focus, drowsy driving diminishes your focus.
- Bad Weather. Poor visibility and poor road conditions from bad weather is a common cause of car crashes.
- Swerving. Drivers who suddenly swerve to avoid debris, potholes, or a pedestrian can cause a traffic accident. Slick roads or high winds can also cause a driver to swerve.
- Reckless Driving. Drivers who are intentionally disregarding the rules of the road are reckless drivers. They endanger the safety of other drivers.
- Failure to Obey. Drivers who fail to obey traffic signs and signals are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes.
Our driving safety points outlined above can stand you in good stead anytime. We offer below a few points that can especially help during the current COVID-19 crisis. If you’ve been the victim in a Las Vegas area car accident, it’s important that you consult with lawyers that have experience handling these types of cases. You need lawyers who know how to get you the compensation you deserve. Call Anthem Injury Lawyers today: (702) 857-6000.
How to Avoid Fatal Car Crashes during COVID-19
Although fatal car crashes are on the decline, the rate of car crashes are actually up. With less cars on the road, some drivers are getting more reckless. The Los Angeles Times reported coronavirus stay-at-home orders cut traffic accidents in half. However, the lower rate in crash fatalities doesn’t match the drop in total traffic volume.
- Buckle up. After buckling your own seat belt, make sure that every passenger in your car also has their seat belt buckled. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most drivers and passengers killed in car crashes were not using seatbelts. The use of seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%.
- Never drink and drive. It goes without saying, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous. But the stay-at-home order has more people drinking. California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control even temporarily suspended certain restrictions. That means people can get margaritas to go. Always designate a driver if you are choosing to drink. With shelter-in-place, you should save the drinking for home.
- Put the phone down. It’s tempting to keep our phones in arms reach wherever we are– including the car. More of us are using phones, social media messaging services, and other ways to stay connected to our friends and family. We also want to be the first to know if our loved ones get ill from the virus. Verizon reported customers are making 800 million calls a day, double the amount on Mother’s Day. But if you are on the road, the law remains. The phone call can wait.
- Practice patience and respect on the road. You never know what someone else is going through. Maybe they just found out their loved one is in the hospital with the virus. Perhaps they just lost their job. Whatever it is that might cause a driver to cut you off or misuse their signals, give them the benefit of the doubt. Don’t tailgate or engage in any other road rage behavior.
- Check tire pressure and tread. Americans are spending more time at home and less time on the road. This means you might not be practicing regular car maintenance like you did before the pandemic. If you need to drive, make sure you check your tire pressure and tread to avoid blowouts or skidding out of control.
- Slow down. High speed is one of the most common causes of fatal crashes. With emptier roads it might be tempting to go a little faster than usual. Avoid temptation and always follow the posted speed limit no matter what traffic looks like.
- Limit your driving. The White House has extended nationwide social distancing guidelines through April 30th. That means states will continue their stay-at-home orders. If you don’t need to go out, stay off the roads where you are safer from car injuries, fatalities, and the coronavirus.
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Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been in a serious car accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights. Our car accident lawyers are experienced at handling all types of car accidents. These accidents include: large trucks or SUVs, accidents involving motorcyclists and bicyclists, and accidents where there was a driver who was driving under the influence/with an elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Sometimes people are unsure if they need an attorney, or if a car accident attorney can really make a difference in receiving compensation. Car accident attorneys at our firm offer you the best opportunity to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. It’s okay to inform yourself with some data from the Internet. And well-meaning friends may tell you that a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas is too expensive, anyway. We work on a contingency basis; so you won’t have to worry about affordability. Plus, with our extensive car accident case experience, you have the best chance for a positive outcome for your case. Remember: when it comes to seeking maximum compensation, you’ll want to put your case in the hands of the experts: Anthem Injury Lawyers, serving Las Vegas and vicinity. Call us today for a free case analysis: (702) 857-6000. Our law office is located in Henderson, but we work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley. As a car accident victim, getting back to health should be your first priority: let our lawyers go to work for you and get you the compensation you deserve. Should you need us to, we can come to you. Call us today if you’ve been the victim in a car accident in the Las Vegas area.
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