Getting in your car to run a quick errand or grab lunch may seem like a safe, mundane daily task – and it usually is. However, operating a car, motorcycle, or truck comes with a major responsibility and inherent risks.
Since 2019, motor vehicle accidents are identified as the leading cause of death across the United States, and the number of fatalities have continued to rise each year both nationally and in the state of Alabama.
The Facts
According to theNational Safety Council (NSC), an estimated 21,450 motor vehicle-related fatalities were registered nationwide in the first six months of 2021 – 16% more than through six months of 2020.
Alabama has seen the same rising trend of vehicle-related fatalities. So far in 2021, the number of motor vehicle accident deaths in Alabama is 21% higher than at this time last year. Unfortunately, this year’s total number of fatalities already exceeds 2019’s total. World Population Review reports 953 motor vehicle-related have occurred in the state in 2021, the 14th-most of any state in the country despite Alabama ranking just 24th in total population.
The concerning trend really rang true last year, when motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. were at their highest since 2007, according to the NSC.
Causes and Safety Measures
Following all safety measures after entering your vehicle can drastically reduce your chance of getting into a crash.
Cory Watson personal injury attorney Curt Tanner identified one major source of the upward trend – cellphones.
“Cellphones are a huge factor in the increase of motor vehicle-related fatalities,” Tanner said. “They can be a constant distraction sitting right beside you.”
Drive Safe Alabama notes that a texting driver is 23 times more likely to crash than a non-texting driver.
Additionally, most fatal car crashes occur at night. While many may not be able to forgo driving at night, it’s crucial to be extra cautious and aware when operating your vehicle in the dark.
Other potentially lifesaving safe driving habits include simply fastening your seatbelt. In 2019, 57% of crash fatalities were not wearing a seatbelt.
For a free legal consultation, call 877-562-0000
We know that even the most safety-conscious can get into serious accidents, so it’s vital to stay buckled up. If you or someone you love suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact the experienced car wreck lawyers at Cory Watson. Call 205-328-2200 today or complete this brief survey for your 100% free case review.
Cory Watson Attorneys is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm with offices in Birmingham, Alabama; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee. The firm has recovered more than $3 billion for clients across the country. Attorneys are frequently at the forefront of major class actions and multidistrict litigations involving dangerous pharmaceuticals and product liability, and are often appointed to leadership positions in national cases. Firm practice areas include Personal Injury, Product Liability, Class Action, Asbestos, Business & Commercial Litigation, Dangerous Pharmaceuticals, Defective Medical Devices, and Environmental/Toxic Torts. To learn more, visit CoryWatson.com.
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