According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 67% of America’s private citizens aged 15 and over drive a vehicle everyday. Each of these drivers will spend an average of 1 hour and 18 minutes each day behind the wheel. According to the U.S. Census, in 2009, the number of Americans who were involved in motor vehicle accidents were 10.8 million and of these, the number of deaths caused by these accidents were over 35,000. In addition to the pain and suffering caused by these accidents, the monetary costs are high as well. AAA estimates that the cost of traffic accidents in America are approximately $166.7 billion. Whether driving for work or for pleasure, it is our obligation to be cautious and do our part to protect ourselves and those around us. Be part of the solution with the following tips from a Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney in Northern Michigan on how to be safer when you drive.
Don’t Be Distracted – Distracted drivers kill thousands of people each year. The number of people killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2012 was 3,328 with an estimated 421,000 injured in crashes due to distracted drivers. Distracted driving includes:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting music in the car
Wear a Seat Belt – Wear a seat belt no matter where you sit in the car. Seat belts are a law throughout the United States. Seat belts have saved an estimated 255,000 lives between 1975 and 2008.
Don’t Drink and Drive – It is estimated that in 2010, more than 10,000 people died in alcohol impaired driving crashes, roughly one every 51 minutes.
Watch for Bikes and Pedestrians – The number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in 2010 was 4,280. An additional 70,000 were injured. It is imperative that you watch for pedestrians and bikers while on the road.
Worldwide, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 29. By wearing seat belts, teaching our young drivers to drive safely, begin cautious and avoiding drinking and driving, we can reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorneys Northern Michigan
If you have been involved in a personal injury or motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. APKH&C are motor vehicle accident attorneys Northern Michigan. To find out if you have a case, contact us at 989.2491 or fill out or free consultation form on the right.