Experienced Attorney Serving Accident Victims in Louisville
Motor vehicle accidents are common, so most motorists do not put much thought into them. While it is true that accidents “happen,” a majority of motor vehicle accidents are due to someone’s careless or reckless behavior. In fact, most are avoidable.
Accidents like this can have a long-lasting effect on a person’s life. The statistics about these accidents are shocking, and most motorists are unaware of those risks. Whether you have been in an auto accident or you are just exploring the internet for facts, there are some interesting details to know about car accidents in the United States.
Interesting Facts About Accidents and Road Safety You Most Likely Didn’t Know
- Most motorists merge incorrectly. Whether you are merging onto the highway or into traffic, most motorists are doing so incorrectly. The first instinct when you see a vehicle trying to merge is to brake, speed up, or change lanes. This forces the rest of traffic to backup. So, instead of a pre-emptive braking session, wait to see what the merging driver is doing first. It prevents any accidental rear-end collisions but also ensures that the other vehicle can merge safely.
- Daylight savings increases the risk for accidents. Daylight savings means one hour less of sleep, and it also equates to a six to 17 percent increase in accidents during the first few days following the time change. After people adjust, the number of accidents decreases.
- Billboards contribute to distracted driving. While cell phone use is predominantly tied to distracted driving, billboards are equally to blame. When drivers stop to read an advertisement, they spend less time paying attention to the road. In fact, one study found that billboards littering the sides of the highway were more distracting to drivers than anything else. Surprisingly, drivers were more apt to remember what they read on their billboard than the traffic signs and signals they passed.
- Deaths from auto accidents are in the millions. According to the World Health Organization, 1.2 million people die from road collisions each year. Also, 50 million are injured or disabled per year due to motor vehicle accidents. Approximately 37,000 Americans die in crashes in the U.S. each year, with many wounded around the country. Moreover, road accidents are the greatest annual cause of death of healthy U.S. residents traveling overseas.
- Teens are more likely to die in an auto accident. Road accidents claim the lives of many, but nearly 8,000 per year are ages 16 to 20. Also, 1,600 children under the age of 15 die each year in motor vehicle accidents.
- Motor accidents are costly. Automobile accidents account for the country’s Gross National Product by four percent.
- Men are more likely to be in an accident than women. Men are prone to auto accidents more than women. Also, accidents are fatal more frequently for men than for women in motor vehicle accidents.
Injured in an Accident? Contact an Attorney Immediately
If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is imperative that you contact an injury advocate as soon as possible. Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC can assist you with your claim. Attorney Seth Gladstein is a personal injury attorney in Kentucky with years of experience who is ready to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation now at 502-791-9000 or reach out to him online.
