Approximately 10 million car crashes occur each year on American roads. The Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that car accidents cost up to $200 billion annually. More importantly, auto accidents put the safety of many Americans at risk. A person is injured in a car accident every 10 seconds in the U.S. Sadly, a car accident causes a fatality every 12 minutes according to the DOT.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the vast majority of U.S. car accidents occur as a result of driver error or negligence. The AAA compiled a list of the leading causes of auto accidents in the U.S. The car accident attorneys at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates reviewed the list and have compiled the top three to help increase your knowledge and arm you with important safety information.
Distracted Driving
A primary cause of automobile accidents is distracted driving. AAA estimates that 25 to 50 percent of all traffic accidents are caused by distracted drivers. Distracted driving involves anything that takes a driver’s eyes and focus off of the road. This could include talking on a phone, texting, eating, reading, grooming, etc.
If you’re still not convinced that driving distracted causes deadly car accidents, consider these statistics provided by AAA. Drivers using hand-held cell phones are four times more likely to get into a car accident. Alarmingly, drivers who are texting while driving are 23 times more likely to get into an auto accident. The message is simple: put down the electronic device and pay attention to the road to reduce your risk of getting into a car accident and potentially save your life.
Speeding
Driving over the speed limit is illegal in all of the 50 United States. However, drivers continue to speed at alarming rates. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, speeding causes approximately one-third of all car accidents in America. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that 900 Americans die monthly in fatal car accidents due to speeding. A good safety tip is to slow down and obey the speed limit. It is simply not worth saving a few minutes to put your own or someone else’s life in jeopardy.
Driving under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
An estimated 12,000 people are killed annually as a result of DUI accidents. DUI auto accidents are serious and one of the most dangerous types of accidents that occur on American roads. However, a DUI car crash can be easily prevented. A sober designated driver can be selected ahead of time, the car keys of an intoxicated driver can be taken away and a safe ride home can be called.
The car accident lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates want the public to be aware of the leading and common causes of auto accidents. With increased awareness and education, drivers can be more mindful and responsive to the many dangers that may be encountered on the road. The safety of our clients and the public is of the utmost importance to us.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Represent Victims of Auto Accidents
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, property damage, medical treatment and pain and suffering. The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates understand the complexities involved in auto accident cases and have the knowledge, litigation skills and resources to seek justice and maximum compensation for our clients. Call us today at 215-567-6600 for a free consultation or submit an online inquiry. We respond promptly 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
With offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Voorhees, New Jersey, we handle accident cases throughout Southeast Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, including Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County and Delaware County.