Each year, thousands of motorists are killed on roads in California and across the United States. The National Safety Council estimates that approximately 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes each year in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Most of these victims were occupants of passenger cars, SUVs or light trucks.
In an effort to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, automakers have introduced a variety of advanced crash-avoidance technologies, including automatic emergency braking systems and lane departure warning systems. However, according to traffic safety experts, drivers can save even more lives by simply obeying the speed limit, buckling their seat belts and driving sober.
Federal statistics show that speeding kills around 10,000 Americans each year. By slowing down, drivers greatly reduce their risk of getting into a deadly accident. Meanwhile, despite massive public awareness campaigns, drunk driving accidents continue to kill approximately 30 people around the U.S. each day. By remaining sober, drivers can spare their lives and the lives of others. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration further estimates that buckling up saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2017. However, only 90% of drivers currently bother to use their seat belts. The NHTSA believes an additional 2,549 lives could have been saved in 2017 if all drivers complied with seat belt laws.
A personal injury attorney might be able to help victims of car accidents recover compensation for their injuries. By gathering police reports, witness testimony and other evidence, it may be possible to prove that another driver was legally responsible for the crash. That might lead to a settlement that compensates victims for a variety of damages, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, property loss and more.