Fatal Car Accidents Are Still A Major Concern in Alabama: Here’s What You Need to Know

In 2016, crash fatalities skyrocketed across Alabama at an unprecedented rate. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), the state is still experiencing fatal vehicle accidents at a rate higher than the national average, with almost 950 occurring in 2017.

Alabama is facing a crisis in driving safety, and it’s important to have all the facts to help your family stay safe on the roads.

Common Causes of Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

There are many factors that lead to car crashes — including road conditions, vehicle defects, and human error (among others). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) focuses on these three major factors in their annual Traffic Safety Facts publication:

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

In 2017, 28% of crash fatalities in Alabama were caused by drunk driving. Nationally, there were 37,133 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. These crashes are especially difficult for the victims’ families, who are left grieving and wondering how their loved ones could be taken from them for such a senseless reason.

Speeding

ALDOT lists speeding as the top contributor in Alabama crash fatalities. Killing almost 10,000 people in the United States in 2017 (NHTSA), speeding is not only a major factor in causing fatal accidents but also in escalating the violence of crashes caused by other factors. Speeding alone is deadly, and speeding combined with other factors often has catastrophic results, turning accidents fatal when they could have been survivable — even minor.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has always been a major factor in car accidents and has received a lot of press in recent years. According to ALDOT, texting while driving increases your chances of being involved in an accident by 23%. Anti-cellphone campaigns and other awareness programs seem to be having a positive impact on the number of distracted drivers, but this factor is still a major cause of crash fatalities.

Drive Safe Alabama

Drive Safe Alabama is an initiative by the Alabama Department of Transportation focused on keeping our roads safe. Their website, drivesafealabama.org, is a great resource for Alabama driving facts and safety advice. Here are a few tips for staying safe on the roads.

Always Wear a Seatbelt

Of the Alabama crash fatalities in 2017, 60% of the victims were not wearing their seatbelts. Always make sure that you and your entire family are buckled properly before you start driving, and teach your children the importance of remaining buckled at all times while in a moving vehicle. Wearing your seatbelt could mean the difference between a fatal accident and a few bruises.

Limit Your Distractions

Most people know to never text and drive. Thoroughly eliminating all distractions while driving is sometimes impossible, but at the very least, you should decrease your distractions to an absolute minimum. For instance, consider turning off your radio or hanging up your call — even hands-free calls can be dangerous distractions. If you must return a text or email, pull over or wait until you are stopped.

Drive the Speed Limit

According to ALDOT, reducing your speed by just 10 mph can reduce the probability of a fatal crash by 50%. Slowing down is one of the easiest steps you can take to safer driving. Many newer vehicles even have optional speed alert notifications that can tell you if you are speeding and remind you to slow down.

If You’ve Lost a Loved One in a Car Accident, Andy Citrin Can Help

Alabama car crash fatalities are among the highest in the country, with accident injuries on the rise. ALDOT is making positive improvements, but it’s important to know that if you or a loved one has been the victim of a car accident, Andy Citrin can help.

Mr. Citrin and his team are here to give you honest and direct legal advice and help you get the compensation you and your family deserve. Please call 251-888-8888 today or complete this brief form to receive your free consultation.

References

ALDOT. (2017). 2017 Crash Facts. Retrieved from http://drivesafealabama.org/uploads/files/ALDOT-2017-CrashFactsBook.pdf

NHTSA. (2018). 2017 Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes: Overview. Retrieved from https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/Publication/812603

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.