Common Crash Causes

The life of a 30-year-old man was cut short in January 2021 through no fault of his own. Luke Souders was rear-ended on 1-95, leading to a chain reaction that involved multiple vehicles. One other person was hospitalized due to the incident.  The prevalence of serious traffic accidents on Maryland roadways gives reason for pause.  What are the key factors behind traffic accidents, and how can they be avoided?

A Serious Problem 

With over 6.5 million collisions every year across this country, the cost to life and property is enormous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tells us that 36,000 fatalities occur as a result of these accidents, in addition to nearly 3 million injuries.  The fiscal note attached to these incidents tops $75 billion every single year. 

Understanding the Primary Causes of Accidents 

Circumstances are unique to every collision; even so, there are key issues that tend to factor into accidents time and again according to the National Law Review:

• Inattentive Drivers: When drivers fail to give the road their full attention, it often leads to accidents.  Distractions are frequently at the root of this problem leading to a driver’s hands being free from the wheel, eyes off of the road, or mind elsewhere altogether.  Common distractions that can be the culprits include:
  • Texting or other screen distractions that busy one’s eyes and/or hands;
  • Eating, grooming, and other manual activities;
  • Interacting with peers, kids or pets;
  • Daydreaming, or focusing on other concerns;
  • Searching for an address, looking at scenery, or otherwise tuning into outside distractions;
  • Auditory distractions like loud music, that make it difficult to hear emergency vehicles or to avoid other hazards.

• Driving Fatigue: Drivers who push themselves to go just a little bit farther when they’re feeling tired can be a serious hazard on the road.  Experts say driving while tired is every bit as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.

• Speeding: Ignoring posted speed limits reduces reaction time in the event of a surprise on the road and increases the force in an impact.  Nevertheless, well over 60 percent of drivers in multiple studies were prone to speeding.

• Alcohol and Drugs: Mind altering substances, both prescription and otherwise, are proven to reduce driving ability, and are noted as a factor in many accidents.

How a Lawyer can Help 

After an accident, having an experienced personal injury by your side is a good idea.  We can assist with a number of issues including investigating the causes, evaluating the short-and long-term impacts, communicating with clients so they understand the issues at hand, negotiating with relevant parties, and, if necessary, taking a case to court.  To discuss your circumstances, contact the Baltimore personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes today.

Resources:

natlawreview.com/article/most-common-causes-collision

crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/#!/

news.maryland.gov/msp/2021/01/19/maryland-state-police-investigating-fatal-multi-vehicle-crash-in-baltimore-county/