The unfortunate truth is that fatal car accidents have risen in almost every state of the country compared to the number a decade ago. Why is this? With more safety features than ever before, it would seem that we should be safer from car accidents. Keep reading to find out why these numbers are up and what you can do to lower them. If you have been injured in a car accident, or have lost a loved one, contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600.
Understanding the Risk
First, let us take a look at the actual risk. The New York Times completed a study that showed that more Americans die from car accidents than guns. They also found that our government invested the resources other countries do into reducing these deaths, we could save about 10,000 lives yearly. Of course, this only deals with deadly accidents – not the huge medical and personal costs to those who survive serious accidents.
Factors That Affect How Likely You Are to Be in a Deadly Car Accident
There are a number of factors that can affect how likely it is for you to be in a deadly accident. For example, speeding, using alcohol before driving, and not wearing seatbelts are the three most common preventable causes of car accident deaths, yet one in seven people in this country do not use seatbelts. The National Safety Council (NSC) President and CEO says that most Americans think there is nothing to be done to stop this trend, but she points to a few steps that can be taken.
Suggestions from the NSC
The NSC has pointed to a number of steps that have proven successful in other countries and that, if implemented here, could reduce the fatal car accidents by the thousands. Those steps include:
- Requiring ignition interlocks for people convicted of drunk driving
- Automated enforcement for speeders
- Better education about buzzed driving
- Stricter seat belt laws
- Extended laws that prevent cell phone use while driving to all drivers
- Add programs to increase pedestrian safety
- Pass and enforce motorcycle helmet laws on the federal level
- Create a three-tiered licensing system for drivers under 21
If you are passionate about reducing the number of fatalities in car accidents, the above are the steps the NSC recommends you push.
Have You Lost Someone You Loved in a Car Accident?
Fatal car accidents affect us all in some way, but those who have lost a loved one can find them particularly difficult to stomach. If someone else was at fault for your loved one’s accident, contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 and let us help you find the best legal options for your situation.
