Most Common Factors and Causes of Car Accidents in Alabama
The term car accident is a bit of a misnomer because years of experience proves that there are very few true “accidents,” but rather crashes. Car crashes happen when someone was doing something that they weren’t supposed to be doing like staring at their phone, speeding, or ignoring traffic signals. They can also be caused by defective vehicles and products, road construction and by other means.
If the numbers are correct, driving in Alabama isn’t a safe activity. In fact, Alabamians are twice as likely to lose their lives on the road as the average American according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC puts the rate of death for occupants of motor vehicles in Alabama at 13.7 per 100,000 people, which is almost twice the national average of 7.0.
Why is this figure so high? The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) believes that the issue lies in the fact that a large segment of the state’s population lives in rural areas that don’t have fast access to medical care. So, if you’re injured in one of these remote areas, it could take longer to reach a hospital to get the care you need.
Knowing these facts about Alabama’s landscape, it becomes more important than ever to prevent as many serious auto crashes as possible. What we do know is that a majority of Alabama car crashes are preventable, meaning there was error involved. Here are some of the top causes and factors involved in those crashes:
- The University of Alabama’s Center for Advanced Public Safety reports that speed was a major factor in Alabama car crashes and motor vehicle fatalities in 2016. According to Alabama Crash Facts, speed is the number one cause of fatal accidents in the state. Of all the categories, speeds over 91 mph had the largest percentage increase in fatalities over the prior year. According to researchers, every speed increase of 10 mph doubles the chance of a crash being fatal.
- Distracted Driving. National studies show that distracted driving is now the cause of 16 percent of all fatal car crashes. In 2016, the number of distracted driving accidents in Alabama was up 20 percent from 2014 figures. A driver that is texting is 23 times more likely to get into an accident than one who isn’t.
- DUI and Drugs.Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is not only illegal in Alabama, but it also causes some of the deadliest accidents in the state each year. In 2015, there were more than 640 drivers cited for DUI in Alabama. When alcohol or drugs are involved in a car accident, the probability that a fatality will result is 7.6 times greater than with an accident not involving substances.
- Traffic Controls.When a driver ignores traffic signals or fails to follow traffic laws, dangerous and deadly accidents can result. Over 30 percent of car crashes in Alabama in 2015 were due to the driver ignoring a stop sign or traffic signal.
- Believe it or not, pedestrians are causing some serious car accidents in Alabama. The UA report found that 60 percent of all collisions involving a pedestrian were the fault of the pedestrian. Records show that alcohol and drug use or distracted pedestrians were often factors in these accidents.
- Other Crash Factors.If you live and drive in Alabama, you have a greater chance of getting into a car accident on either Friday or Saturday between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. More males than females get into crashes, but the most dangerous ages for drivers are from ages 19-25.
Getting Help for Your Montgomery Alabama Car Accident
According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), 94 percent of car crashes are caused by human error. If you or a loved one have been injured in an Alabama car accident due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Chip Nix, Attorney at Law, has the knowledge and experience necessary to protect your rights and pursue the parties responsible for your injuries. Call our office today at 334-279-7770 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
