Why So Many Car Accidents? The Rise of Accidents and What Can Be Done to Prevent Them
Texting and driving. Driving while intoxicated. Driving through an unpaved road. Speeding. The list goes on and on. These days, car accidents across the city of El Paso appear to be multiplying. Does it feel as though you drive past an accident at least every couple of minutes? The exaggeration of the number of car accidents is nothing we’re proud to report. But the reality is, across Texas and the rest of the nation as a whole, the number of accidents has been rising.
In a report from Motus (a company who helps employers calculate their mileage) titled “2018 Distracted Driving Report”, it found that distractions including eating, changing the music, or making phone calls has been the cause of several accidents. In addition to distractions, speed has been a major contributing factor.
The National Transportation Safety Board found that the reason for the rise of fatal car accidents is speed. One automaker is tackling this reality head-on. On March 5, the Swedish carmaker Volvo announced that it would be reducing all models the speed capacity of 112MPH. The goal for the company as a whole is to see that no one is killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020.
What Can I Do As a Driver?
It’s 2019 and yes, life is moving fast but we can start implementing better driving habits in order to minimize accidents. Driving is a privilege and a responsibility. As drivers in an often chaotic city such as El Paso whose construction never seems to end, there are small but impactful, life-saving really, changes that we can begin doing starting today.
No one wants a high insurance premium and no one wants to find him or herself on the news because of a tragic car accident.
Here is what you can do to help make the road a safer place:
- Keep up with your car’s maintenance . A car accident can result from even the smallest problem. From a tire that blows out in the middle of the road to your headlights going out in the dead of the night — these are often preventable incidents that can reduce the risk of an accident.
- If you’re not in good health, don’t drive . Driving is often seen as a mindless activity that requires minimal mental stimulation. You’ve driven to this location hundreds of times. But the truth is, you do need to be mentally awake and mentally capable of operating a vehicle that can experience any number of surprises along the way. Even if you feel like you can drive to your destination with your eyes closed, if you’re not feeling great, maybe you’re running low on sleep, it’s best to avoid driving.
- Refrain from texting and driving . Everyone thinks he or she can text with ease behind the wheel. That is until they find themselves speaking with a police officer trying to explain what exactly happened. It’s hard to avoid sending even the shortest of messages such as “on my way!” or “yes” but those seconds you take your eyes off the road is all it takes to cause an accident.
- Drive defensively. Ever been to a defensive driving course? If you haven’t, some of the recommendations include keeping a safe distance, driving with care, sharing the road with others, and doing your best to remain calm i.e., avoiding road rage. Suggestions include: playing relaxing music, pretending everyone on the road is your grandma, and leaving your location earlier so that you’re not driving in a rush.
Your Safety Is Our Priority — Contact the Enriquez Law Firm Today
We know that driving can be challenging and extremely stressful, which is why we make it our goal to help you with these types of complications quickly and effectively! If you’re involved in a car accident , contact the Enriquez Law Firm. Our lawyer will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your vehicle and physical injuries.
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