The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released highway crash fatality data for the first three quarters of 2019. This data showed a decrease of 2.2% compared to the first three quarters of 2018.
Car accident deaths are the second most common unintentional death in the United States, outranked only by poisoning (which includes drug overdose). [Link to preventable deaths blog post on previous page.] According to the data, approximately 26,730 individuals died due to motor vehicle traffic crashes between January 1, 2019 and September 30, 2019.
By making safe driving a priority, the US Department of Transportation hopes to see the number of highway crash deaths continue to decrease. Initiatives such as Vision Zero and partnerships with automakers to standardize important safety features like automatic emergency braking are making US highways safer for everyone.
Speeding, distracted driving, and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are among the most common causes of automobile accidents. Driving at the speed limit and paying attention to your surroundings while driving can significantly decrease the likelihood of an accident. Never drive while under the influence. Sleep deprivation can be equally dangerous, so if you haven’t been sleeping well, skip getting behind the wheel.
The winter months bring their own unique driving challenges, with variable weather, ice, and other challenging conditions. Learn how to winterize your vehicle, drive more safely at night, and check your vehicle to make sure it is safe to drive this winter.
Stay safe on the road!
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
