Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers | August 23, 2022 | Car Accident
Car crash injuries are common throughout the United States, but how likely are fatal accidents to happen?
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact odds of dying in a car crash, the CDC reports an average of 32,000 traffic deaths yearly. Sadly, these numbers have been on the rise, and 2021 showed the most significant increase in vehicle-related deaths in 80 years, with close to 43,000 fatalities across the country.
Many factors play a role in the risks associated with fatal car accidents. These include speed, vehicle type, environmental conditions, and more. If you’re a motorist in Vista, knowing how fatal car crashes occur can help you stay safe on the road.
California Car Crash Statistics
Although death from a traffic injury is a potential outcome of any accident, non-fatal injuries are more likely to occur.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2020 saw 2.2 million vehicle accidents that resulted in injury across the United States. In that same year, there were an estimated 39,824 vehicle-related deaths.
In California, there were a reported 3,904 car crash fatalities in 2017. In San Diego County, the annual average is roughly 300 vehicle fatalities.
The figures show that if you live in Vista and get into a car accident, a non-fatal injury is far more likely to occur than a fatal one. However, every accident presents unique conditions.
Most Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents
Many factors play into how fatal car accidents occur. Some of the most common reasons for fatal car crashes include:
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Any intoxicated driving, be it from drugs or alcohol, can severely impair a driver and result in:
- Loss of judgment
- Slowed reaction time
- Blurred vision
- Diminished hand-eye coordination
When an impaired driver gets behind the wheel, the odds of a fatal injury increase.
Distracted Driving
Statistics show that distracted driving is the leading cause of vehicle accidents, injuries, and deaths.
Roads are dangerous and present many hazards. When a driver fails to maintain awareness, even for a few seconds, they put themselves and others at risk.
In 2019, distracted driving was responsible for over 3,100 deaths and 424,000 injuries.
Excess Speed and Moving Violations
Speed limits are put in place to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Depending on the type of road, speed limits are designed to correspond with the flow of traffic and the immediate surroundings.
When drivers fail to follow posted speed limits, they risk causing an accident. California reported 1,056 deaths due to speeding in 2016.
Moving violations, such as illegal U-turns, wrong-way driving, and running stop lights, also expose drivers to crashes and serious accidents.
How to Reduce Vehicle-Related Deaths
Sadly, the United States has the distinction of having one of the highest vehicle death rates in the world.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 90 people die each day from vehicle-related injuries across the country.
Fatality reduction relies on a combination of policy changes and driver outreach. Some common harm-reduction strategies include:
- Wearing a seat belt at all times
- Obeying speed limits and posted traffic laws
- Avoiding cell phone use and other distractions
- Ensuring children use appropriate child seats
- Strict DUI legislation and enforcement
- Improvements to vehicle safety and traffic infrastructure
Reducing traffic accidents and deaths is a collaborative effort that requires lawmakers and drivers alike to make changes. Even small modifications can go a long way.
A Vista Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help If You Lost a Loved One In a Car Crash
If you lost a loved one in a car accident in Vista, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. This claim won’t bring your loved one back but can help you achieve justice and financial security after your loss. Contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers for help pursuing your wrongful death case.
Contact the North County Car Accident Lawyers at Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the Vista car accident law firm of Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in North County, CA and its surrounding areas:
Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers – Vista, CA Office
380 S Melrose Dr. Ste. 201
Vista, CA 92081
(619) 344-0360
Petrov Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers – Oceanside, CA Office
702 Civic Center Drive Ste. 105
Oceanside, CA, 92054
(619) 678-1016