California is undeniably a hotspot for auto accidents. According to available statistics for 2006, out of the total 46,642 fatal car accidents in the country, more than 4,200 happened in California – making it the deadliest among U.S. states in terms of traffic accidents. Meanwhile, there are various causes of fatal car crashes in the Golden State, and knowing them can help citizens save their own and their loved ones’ lives.
Based on studies, the three most common culprits for fatal car accidents in the state are intoxicated driving, distracted driving, and speeding.
Intoxicated driving – It is estimated that every 525 minutes, a person dies in an alcohol-related traffic accident in California. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), in 2009 alone, more than 950 people died in intoxicated driving-related mishaps in the state.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is obviously risky and even potentially fatal. Drivers who use their vehicle while intoxicated are likely to commit driving errors, have poor logical thinking, and resort to hasty decisions. Thus, they are vulnerable to be involved or cause major and fatal road accidents.
Distracted driving – Electronic gadgets, such as cell phones, tablet PCs, music players, and others certainly provide numerous benefits to people; however, they also give disadvantages if used while behind the steering wheel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in 2009, more than 5,400 people were killed as a result of distracted driving-related accidents.
Drivers who use their electronic handheld devices divide their attention from driving and using such gadgets, which is why they are in serious threat of putting their own and other motorists’ lives at risk. Studies show that a driver who uses his or her cell phone while driving acts like a person under the influence of alcohol. Hence, distracted drivers are also at risk of getting involved in and causing fatal road mishaps.
Speeding – Motorists who unreasonably speed are susceptible to vehicular accidents. According to California DMV, in the year 2008, about 28.4 percent of all fatal road accidents in the state were caused by speeding.
Drivers who disregard speed limits have limited time to react to immediate changes in the traffic situation. Hence, they are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than to drivers who do not speed.
Meanwhile, Californians who get injured in a traffic accident caused by a drunk driver, distracted driver, or speeding driver should consult with a Los Angeles car accident attorney to successfully claim for personal injury compensations.
