The vast majority of car accidents that occur in Vermont and throughout the country are entirely preventable and occur as a result of negligence. Negligence, the failure to exercise the proper degree of care in a given situation, is the most common cause of a collision and manifests itself in many forms. Here’s an overview of some of the top causes of car accident collisions in our state and nationwide. If you have been in a crash, don’t hesitate to call our car accident lawyers at the office of Larson & Gallivan Law directly today.
Driver Distraction/Inattention
One of the most common causes of accidents in our state is simply drivers not paying attention to what’s going on around them or being distracted by things both inside and outside of their vehicles. Data shows that in 2018, there were approximately 4,000 people injured, and about 2,800 people killed, in accidents involving distracted drivers. Distracted driving accidents are a result of the following behaviors:
Using a cellphone when behind the wheel;
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Talking to passengers;
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Looking out the window/ rubber-necking;
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Eating or drinking while driving;
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Self-grooming; and
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More.
You can do your part to reduce distracted driving accidents by always paying attention to the road and putting any handheld devices away.
Driver Fatigue/Drowsiness
Another major cause of car crashes in our country is driver fatigue and drowsiness, according to an article published in the National Law Review that cited data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data reveals that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, and that it likely goes under-reported as a factor in car accident crashes.
Impairment from Drug and Alcohol Use
Everyone knows how dangerous it is to drink and drive, or to use other impairing substances or drugs and then drive. Despite this knowledge, though, drunk/impaired driving continues to be a major cause of accidents in Vermont and nationally. On average, between one-fourth and one-third of all fatal collisions reported in the U.S. each year involve a drunk driver.
Speeding
Speeding is a dangerous behavior that not only increases the risk of a crash but also increases the amount of force involved and the severity of damages should a crash occur. Despite how dangerous speeding is, about two-thirds of drivers speed.
Call Larson & Gallivan if You’ve Been in a Crash
If you have been in a car accident caused by an act of negligence or another preventable factor, such as a defective car part or an aggressive driver, our experienced car accident lawyers at the office of Larson
& Gallivan Law want to help. We can review your case free of charge and provide you with an overview of your rights and options. To learn more about our legal services and what to do after a crash, call us today or send us a message requesting more information.
