In theory, people know that there’s a risk they could be involved in a car accident. Even if they’re technically a safe driver themselves, and so it’s not likely that they will cause an accident, they have to share the road with negligent drivers all the time. One of these drivers could cause a crash by texting while driving, running a stop sign, breaking the speed limit or in a multitude of other ways.
But many people don’t actually stop and think about the significant risk that they face. For instance, in 2021, statistics indicate that there were an average of 36,164 car accidents every single day. Many of these were minor, but there were also numerous accidents leading to injuries and even fatalities. In an average year in the United States, roughly 40,000 people passed away from injuries suffered in car accidents. For some age groups, such as teenagers, car crashes are the leading cause of death.
How can you stay safe?
These are concerning statistics, but it’s important to be aware of them because they can help you focus on safety. Once you see the sheer amount of accidents that happen every day, it may make you reconsider dangerous habits, like using a cellphone in the car.
They can also help if you become a defensive driver. The stats help to show how often other people cause car accidents, so you can focus on anticipating these mistakes. Taking certain steps, such as increasing your following distance on the interstate, may help you to avoid accidents that you otherwise would’ve been drawn into. This can help you and your family stay safe this year.
Unfortunately, there is always a risk of being injured in a car crash. If this happens to you, be sure you know exactly what legal options you have to seek financial compensation.