Getting injured in an automobile accident in Iowa as a result of someone else’s negligence can be frustrating and can lead to medical complications. Unfortunately, 2021 saw a significantly high number of deaths on U.S. roads that were caused by poor driving habits. Several factors need to be addressed to help ensure this statistic doesn’t increase in future years.
Fatalities increase on U.S. roads
Over 43,000 individuals died on U.S. roads in 2021, which was the highest number recorded in 16 years. While Americans also drove more miles in 2021 than the previous year, risky behaviors combined with operating a motor vehicle led to more fatalities. Eliminating the following problems can help save lives and make it safer for everyone:
- Do not consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel
- Always wear a seatbelt
- Keep speeds at a safe level
- Avoid distractions, such as smartphone use
Speeding can lead to car collisions
Speeding is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. Many drivers do not pay attention to posted speed limit signs, which is dangerous. Driving too fast for road conditions is also a problem.
Increasing the awareness for safety when driving
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation recognized the need to set some guidelines for roadway safety and developed the National Roadway Safety Strategy. It recognized the trend of increasing fatalities on America’s roads. and began tracking ejections from vehicles, speeding-related crashes and alcohol-involved accidents. If people make better decisions when driving, these problems can be eliminated.
Encouraging safe, responsible behavior when operating a car is essential. Automakers are installing more safety systems in new cars that may help to reduce accidents such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warnings.
If more individuals become aware of the problems causing personal injury and deaths on America’s roadways, it may aid in curbing them.