Connecticut drivers undoubtedly know the expansive list of concerns when they are out on the road and the danger of being in a car accident without even knowing the actual statistics. When the numbers are examined, these concerns increase exponentially. In 2015, the number of deaths on highways is believed to have surpassed 40,000. If accurate, that would be the highest number of deaths in the almost 10 years. Understanding why the numbers are increasing is important to try and prevent an accident. It is also important to know the cause of an accident after it has happened so the victims can seek compensation in a legal filing.
One issue is that drivers are taking to the road more frequently than before. The number of miles driven across the country increased for the fifth straight year. Since the number of fatalities rose more rapidly, studies are trying to determine what has changed. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) examined the causes of being a distracted driver. In their study, they found that 4 million of the almost 11 million accidents in the U.S. could have been prevented if the drivers were not distracted. This came to 36 percent.
NAS listed the five most worrisome distractions. Using the radio while driving increases the danger of an auto accident by two. Late model vehicles will often have a touch screen menu. Using this raises the chance of an accident by more than 4.5. Sending text messages while driving is known to be a risky activity and the numbers bear that out with the chance of a crash rising by 6.1 when doing it. Reaching for objects while driving takes the driver out of driving position and changes the field of vision. This increases the chance of a crash by 9. The most dangerous distraction is dialing on a cellular phone. This raises the danger of an accident by more than 12.
Given these distracted driving dangers and the prevalence of accidents for other reasons, going out on the road is a constant risk. Because a car accident can do so much damage with injuries, medical costs, lost time at work and even fatalities, it is imperative to know what to do in the aftermath by speaking to an attorney experienced in pursuing a case after a car crash.
Source: CBS News, “The 5 worst things you can do when driving sober,” Ed Leefeldt, Feb. 24, 2017
