It’s that time of the year. We’ve all said goodbye to 2013 and are working to make 2014 even better. With the beginning of a new year comes a time of reflection and improvement. Resolving to quit smoking or to spend more time in the gym is awesome, but we’re asking you to make a New Year’s resolution that can benefit the entire community — to be a better driver.
Did you know that in over 90 percent of automobile crashes, these ‘accidents’ are the result of human error – and therefore it appears we’ve still got a lot to learn. While there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ driver, every motorist could improve an aspect of their driving, whether that’s observation, planning, anticipation or hazard management, and in the process reduce their risk of becoming yet another road casualty statistic.
Our Boston car accident lawyers understand that roughly 10 million people are involved in car accidents annually. It’s also the leading cause of death for teenagers in America according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There’s no denying that car accidents cause needless injury and death, and devastation every year. We’re targeting the big three in 2014, asking drivers to be more aware of drunk driving, speeding and distracted driving.
Drunk Driving:
Drunk Driving is a problem that has a significant impact on so many people. The IU Police Department actively patrols for impaired drivers and participates in the DUI Taskforce and “You drink & drive you LOSE” program through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
In the state, there were more than 200 people killed in alcohol-related car accidents in 2011. These accidents accounted for close to 30 percent of all traffic accident fatalities throughout the year.
If you’re planning on including alcohol in your evening, it better not also include driving. Make sure you always have a safe and sober way to get home, whether it’s a designated driver, a cab, public transportation or staying over at a friend’s house.
Speeding:
Speed is involved in about one out of three fatal crashes, according to NHTSA. It is the third leading contributing factor to traffic crashes, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that the annual economic cost to society of speeding-related crashes is $40.4 billion. In 2011, speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes, and 9,944 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes. Speeding- related fatalities decreased by 5 percent from 10,508 in 2010 to 9,944 in 2011.
Distracted Driving:
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety.
In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 3,267 in 2010. An additional, 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in 2011, compared to 416,000 people injured in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Keep your eyes on the road and the distractions out of the driver’s seat to help ensure safer travels through 2014.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, contact Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 888-367-2900.
More Blog Entries:
Window Tinting, Accident Risks, and Massachusetts Law, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, January 2, 2014
New Mothers at Risk of Distracted Driving Accidents, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, January 2, 2014