Car accidents are among the leading causes of fatalities in the country. Data from the National Safety Council shows that an estimated 38,800 people died in car crashes in 2019. Often, these accidents will affect motorists and pedestrians. Car manufacturers are continually upgrading driver assistance systems such as lane departure warning systems and blind-spot monitoring to help drivers mitigate the risk of accidents while driving.
1. More Accidents Closer Home
Studies show that most accidents occur close to people’s homes. Some studies suggest this can be as close as within 5 minutes of your home. Many neighborhoods invest in amenities such as pedestrian walks and green spaces to attract more people. Car crashes put joggers, kids playing, people talking on a walk, and other people in the neighborhoods at risk. Frequent car crashes also drive down real estate prices in these areas.
Motorists driving close to their neighborhoods might get into a comfort zone and sometimes become lazy in practicing safe driving procedures such as indicating before turning or wearing a safety belt. Motorists driving close to their homes might be less attentive due to fatigue, overconfidence, speeding to beat the traffic, or driving under the influence of alcohol.
2. Insurance Is Important
Driving a car without any type of insurance is reckless and dangerous. It is mandatory to carry an active car insurance policy in 49 of the 50 states in the US. Accidents can affect the occupants of vehicles involved in the accident, as well as pedestrians. Here are some common types of motor vehicle insurance covers:
- Collision coverage
- Personal injury protection
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Auto liability coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
Having an active car insurance policy will enable you to enjoy benefits such as:
● Personal accident cover
Covers injury, disabilities, or deaths happening to the driver or passengers of the vehicle.
● Third-Party Claims
If you are involved in an accident resulting in damage to property or loss of life to third parties, the car insurance coverage will pay the damages ensuing and protect you from any legal liabilities arising from the accident.
● Car Damage/Loss
If the event that the insured car is lost or damaged during an accident, car insurance can replace it or pay for repairs. It is important however to be fully cognizant of the types of incidents that can be covered under your insurance policy.
3. Alcohol Is the Main Cause
Alcohol ranks as one of the highest causes of car crashes across the world. According to the NHTSA, out of 36,560 motor vehicle deaths in 2018, 10,511 people died as a result of alcohol impairment in the USA.
4. It Can Happen to Anyone
Car accidents can happen to anyone. This is perhaps why drivers need to be vigilant and fully aware while driving. Car crashes caused by driver negligence can lead to the loss of innocent lives. In such events, the affected persons should hire an attorney to help them pursue compensation for damages. The experts from LevinInjuryFirm.com state that drivers can also get involved in car crashes that they have not caused. For instance, drivers getting hit from behind by other vehicles, or speeding vehicles hitting pedestrians crossing the road at designated crossings. Overall, drivers and pedestrians need to be vigilant while on the road.
5. Always Go to the Hospital
Even if you feel fine after an accident, go to the hospital for a medical checkup as soon as you can. It is not wise to play the tough guy and brush the incident aside. Most victims of car crashes will not even know that they are injured due to shock. In a car crash, the shock might lead people to behave differently.
Internal injuries resulting from the car accident might sometimes go unnoticed. Also, secondary infection from open injuries might lead to health complications. Besides, some insurance companies might only pay after you have been assessed by a medic following a car accident.
6. Distracted Driving Kills
If you text, check your email, take photos, or get preoccupied with the car music system while driving, you might need to rethink all this. Distractions are common in everyday life, and driving is no exception. The difference is that a split-second distraction can mean the difference between life and death. Just keep all distractions at bay and focus on driving.
7. More Men Involved in Accidents than Women
Statistics show that more men are likely to be involved in car accidents than women. In accidents that cause fatalities, more men are likely to be intoxicated than women. Car crashes can lead to damage or property and loss of lives. The effects of these accidents might be felt for a long time. All road users need to remain vigilant at all times.
