Four Common Factors In Fatal Car Accidents In Maryland
Car accidents in Maryland can cause personal injuries that have the potential to be life-threatening. Unfortunately, hundreds of families are left grieving each year as a result of crashes and collisions that occur on roads throughout the state.
While the overall rate of car accidents in Maryland has decreased since the pandemic, the number of deaths has increased. Our Maryland car accident attorney explains four common factors that state officials claim play a role in these crashes.
Four Factors Blamed For Increase In Fatal Maryland Car Accidents
According to Zero Deaths Maryland, the total number of crashes throughout the state dropped in 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Traffic safety experts say the statistics reflect stay-at-home orders issued throughout this time. However, during this same period, the number of fatal crashes increased and has remained steady. Sadly, more than 500 motorists are killed in fatal collisions each year.
In recent interviews with WBLATV News, an official from the Maryland Department of Transportation explained four common factors that play a role in the increase in fatal crashes:
- Speeding
With fewer drivers on the road during the pandemic, those who did go out could travel at higher rates of speed. Unfortunately, speeding is one of the most common contributing factors in fatal crashes. The higher the speed a driver is traveling at, the less likely they are to be able to avoid collisions with other vehicles. As the force of impact is typically more severe, there is a greater likelihood of fatal injuries.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving involves talking on cell phones, texting, changing GPS settings, or engaging in any activity that takes your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel. It makes it harder to respond appropriately to avoid a crash, increases the severity of the impact, and continues to be a common problem on roads throughout the state.
- Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substance, including both legal and illegal drugs, endangers you and everyone on the road. It is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Maryland and a common factor in fatal crashes.
- Not Wearing Seat Belts
Seat belts save lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they can protect drivers against blunt force impacts, being thrown from the vehicle, and other hazards. Wearing a seat belt reduces the chances of fatal car accident injuries by nearly 50 percent, so make sure you and your passengers buckle up.
Reach Out To Our Maryland Car Accident Lawyers
Avoiding dangerous driving behavior and wearing a seat belt reduces the risk, but fatal car accidents in Maryland can still happen. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we provide the caring support and comprehensive legal representation grieving families need to get compensation. If someone you love was hurt or killed in a crash, reach out and request a consultation with our Maryland car accident lawyer today.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/resources/crashdata/
wbaltv.com/article/safety-on-md-roadways/45675398#
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/seatbeltbrief/index.html#:~:text=Seat%20belts%20dramatically%20reduce%20risk,of%20serious%20injury%20by%2050%25.&text=Seat%20belts%20prevent%20drivers%20and%20passengers%20from%20being%20ejected%20during%20a%20crash
