Car accident fatalities are increasing in Illinois and across the country. According to the latest data from the Department of Transportation, 38,824 Americans were killed on U.S. roads in 2020, which is the highest number since 2007. Three dangerous driving behaviors played a role in 45% of those deadly crashes.
The three most dangerous driving behaviors
Speeding
Going over the speed limit reduces your ability to react to crash threats and increases your risk of getting into an accident, especially in snowy or rainy conditions. The DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that speeding causes more than 25% of traffic deaths each year.
Alcohol or drug impairment
Alcohol and drugs cloud your judgement and slow down your reaction times, making you a danger to yourself and everyone else on the road. According to the NHTSA, nearly 30 Americans are killed each day in impaired driving accidents.
Not wearing a seat belt
Studies show that wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of serious injury and death by up to 50% for car occupants and up to 65% for truck occupants. Despite this, around 10% of drivers and passengers fail to buckle up. Authorities report that nearly half of all car crash fatalities were not wearing seat belts.
Driver mistakes are responsible for most car accidents
A study by Stanford Law School found that 90% of auto accidents are caused by human error. Additional examples of driver-related mistakes include:
- Failure to obey traffic laws
- Distracted driving
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
Individuals injured in car accidents caused by other drivers are entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, ligation may be necessary to ensure the victim receives a full and fair settlement.