According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania has the 39th-lowest rate of auto accident fatalities of all 50 states. Luckily, the Quaker State is a relatively safe state to drive in. Even though laid-back Western Pennsylvania poses fewer auto accident risks than the eastern end, thinking that car accidents can’t happen is a good way to wind up involved in one.
Here are some of the top causes of fatal car crashes:
Drunk driving
Drunk driving has always been one of the most common causes of fatal auto accidents. Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated actively puts others at risk.
Running public campaigns against drunk driving discourages people from driving while under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs. Ramping up penalties for drunk driving is another effective means of reducing the prevalence of dangerous behavior.
Distracted driving
Unlike drunk driving, which only has one ultimate cause, distracted driving can have many causes. Thanks to the proliferation of smartphones, texting or using social media while driving has caused more and more car crashes in recent years.
Despite what you might have heard on the radio or seen on billboards, smartphone use isn’t the only cause of distracted driving. As a matter of fact, distracted driving has long been a common cause of car accidents. For example, distracted driving includes applying makeup, eating food, listing to loud music and paying attention to roadside attractions.
Neglecting safety restraints
As you may have learned from experience, Ohio requires drivers to wear seat belts. Every state in the U.S. except for New Hampshire also has seat belt laws.
Although wearing a seat belt won’t prevent an accident, doing so can reduce the likelihood of a fatal car accident. Other must-have safety restraints include motorcycle helmets and car seats.
Recovering from a car accident isn’t always easy. Although they can’t prevent them, personal injury attorneys can help you seek justice after serious car accidents.