The roadways of Chicago have become increasingly more hazardous in recent years. Distracted driving and drugged driving are among the leading causes behind fatal accidents.
Statistics show a rise in traffic fatalities
Based on early data analysis, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that vehicle deaths reached just over 40,000 for the second year in a row across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. While it’s a slight dip from 2016, the one percent reduction can be considered more of a plateau rather than a true drop. The 2017 estimate is six percent higher than the 2015 total.
In addition to the thousands of fatalities, another 4.57 million people were injured enough to require medical care, and these crashes resulted in $413.8 billion in damages. These numbers are also about one percent lower than 2016, but they are still no indication of significant progress.
Diligence is needed from everyone to prevent more increases in accidents and fatalities on the road. By practicing good driving habits, motorists can reduce the likelihood of causing or being involved in an accident.
What you can do to prevent traffic fatalities
Practice Defensive Driving: By practicing defensive driving, motorists can be more reactive to hazards and not endanger the vehicles around them. Aggressive driving is reckless and can be the cause of a catastrophic accident.
Avoid Driving Impaired: There are many forms of impaired driving. Drunk driving is the most prominent, but driving under the influence of other drugs, such as prescription opiates, also happens often. Do not drive impaired; instead, designate a sober driver. Driving while fatigued or distracted can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.
Parents Should Stay Engaged With Their Teens’ Driving: New drivers are especially prone to accidents and developing poor habits. Parents should stay engaged with their teens’ driving and help develop good habits.
Be Informed on Safety Features: Modern vehicles are coming standard with more and more advanced safety features. To use safety features effectively, drivers should study their owner’s manuals or research features online.
Maintain Vehicle Condition: Proper vehicle maintenance can reduce the risk of failures while driving. A tire blowout or engine malfunction while driving can result in losing control of a vehicle and cause an accident. Be aware of any recalls for a vehicle.
If you or someone you know was the victim of a car accident, contact Coplan + Crane today and schedule a free case evaluation. We want to work with you and help you get your life back on track.
