Reports have shown that the number of car accident fatalities in the United States has been slowly decreasing in the past few years. The number of fatalities in 2019 was a 2% decrease from 2018 and a 4% decrease from 2017. The number of people who required medical attention after an accident has also decreased by 2% although the number is still in the millions.
Why are car accident fatalities decreasing?
While it’s difficult to determine why fewer car accidents have led to fatalities, some experts believe that it’s caused by advanced safety features in newer vehicles. Most modern vehicles come with emergency braking, backup cameras and more, which can reduce the risk of fatalities.
Many states have also implemented programs to reduce the number of roadway accidents. Some states have redesigned streets that had a high crash rate while others have implemented zero-tolerance policies for drunk driving. Some states have also lowered the acceptable blood alcohol concentration limit to .05.
How can people reduce the risk of car accidents?
While the fatality rates are decreasing, motorists should still take steps to ensure their safety on the road. Individuals should never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If they plan on driving, they should choose a designated driver. Additionally, individuals should avoid distracted driving and never use a cell phone while on the road. If their car has a malfunctioning safety feature, they should get the feature repaired as soon as possible.
How to proceed after a car accident
If an individual was the victim of a car accident, they might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, emotional damages and the death of family members. Working with an attorney, an individual might be able to negotiate a fair settlement with the other party.