Death is a pretty familiar subject to most people. We have seen plants, flowers, and pets die. At the back of our minds, we also realize that mortality is the end for everyone. However, there are many unnatural causes of death. One of these is dying in a car crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 6.7 million car accidents occurred on American roads in 2018. Also, the National Safety Council reports that 1 in 107 people are likely to die in a car accident.
If you lose a loved one in a traffic collision, a wrongful death attorney can help you claim damages. In this article, we explore the chances of dying in a car crash and the causes of car accident fatalities.
What Are the Causes of Fatal Vehicle Accidents?
Below we outline the leading causes of fatal vehicle accidents.
- Excessive Speed
You never have to wonder why there are so many traffic regulations against speed. Speed bumps, speed limits, speeding tickets all exist because speeding is dangerous. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), about 26 percent of all vehicle crash fatalities are caused by speed-related accidents.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of dying in a car crash. You might have seen one or several ad campaigns against texting while driving. This is because of the severity of the situation. In many countries across the world, it is illegal to use your phone while driving. Instead, they encourage the use of a hands-free device.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or misused prescription medicine is one cause of fatalities in car accidents.
- Not Using Seatbelts
Sometimes you’re not the cause of the car crash. However, you can still be a victim, especially if you are not using your seatbelt.
- Driving an Unsafe Vehicle
Some vehicles are not road-worthy. They could pose a threat to the driver and other road users. This could include not having tail lights or, in some severe cases, not having a good brake. It is important to constantly take your vehicle to the auto mechanic for a checkup. Doing this prevents your vehicle from causing accidents due to faults that you don’t even know of.
- Driving in Hazardous Conditions
You can avoid auto fatality if you do not drive during hazardous conditions. This includes a heavy downpour or when it’s snowing heavily. These hazardous conditions make the roads dangerous for all road users and could quickly result in a fatality.
Who Is Most Likely To Be in a Fatal Car Crash?
According to IIHS, males are involved in “More crashes involving risk-taking behaviors such as speeding and impairment.” However, females are more at risk of sustaining fatal injuries in car crashes than men. It varies because women and men drive different types of vehicles, and body physiology is different.
Common Car Crash Injuries That Result in Fatalities
These are some of the top injuries sustained in car crashes resulting in fatalities.
- Chest Trauma: This is usually caused by blunt force to the chest area, especially when one hits the dashboard, steering wheel, or airbag.
- Head and Neck Injuries: These occur in accidents where passengers or drivers hit their heads or necks against a part of the vehicle.
- Burn Injuries: One could sustain burn injuries from car crashes. These could lead to death.
How To Prevent a Fatal Car Crash
The following are ways to prevent a fatal car accident:
- Be Alert
This might be the most important way to avoid a fatal car crash. Staying alert ensures that you have the right reflexes. It could save you from being in an Accident or causing one yourself.
- Never Drive Under the Influence
No matter what you think your tolerance level is, you should never drink and drive. You should also never drive when you’re using drugs that could impair your judgment, whether they are prescription-based or not.
- Wear a Seatbelt
You should never start driving until you are sure that you and everyone in the vehicle are wearing a seatbelt. It would go a long way to prevent fatality or severe injury.
- Don’t Drive in Hazardous Weather Conditions
While it’s tempting to drive quickly in the midst of adverse weather conditions, it could result in fatality. Avoid driving during heavy rain or snow. And if you have to, you should take the necessary precautions like using the right tires.
Contact an Ohio Car Accident Lawyer Today!
Do you know someone who was a victim of a fatal car accident? Would you like to seek compensation or redress for the loss? Contact our experienced Ohio car accident lawyers today. We will work with you to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your loss.
