Car accidents plague modern society, regardless of technological advancements and safety devices. Plenty of car commercials tell you about crash test ratings, airbags, backup cameras, early warning systems, and a host of other features, but news reports counter it by telling you about accidents, injuries and fatalities.
To really understand the issue, here are six key facts that help paint a picture:
- More than 37,000 people pass away in accidents every year, on average. That’s more than 100 people every single day. The vast majority of those people are just like you. They left the house thinking they were simply running errands or going to work, and they never came back.
- More than 1,600 of these people are under 15 years old. These children are too young to drive legally, but accidents still take their lives at a staggering rate. They’re often innocent victims, taken away because of someone else’s mistakes or negligence.
- On top of the high fatality statistics, reports show that around 2.35 million people become disabled or suffer injuries in accidents every year. Disabilities may last for life. Just because people live through the wrecks does not mean they’re inconsequential. Disabilities can make it impossible to work, enjoy intimate relationships, participate in hobbies, stay in good physical shape and much more.
- The cost of these accidents is staggering. Some claim the cost averages out to $820 for every person. That’s a total of $230.6 billion every single year.
- When leaving the United States, citizens still face high risks. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for travelers who are otherwise healthy. This isn’t just an American problem. It’s a problem all over the world.
- Young drivers, in many ways, pose the largest threat. Statistics show that almost 8,000 people pass away every year in crashes with drivers who are between the ages of 16 and 20.
Why can’t we break some of these trends? Why doesn’t technology help? Why does our main means of transportation still take so many lives every year?
There are a lot of reasons. Drunk driving puts everyone at risk. Distracted driving plays a massive role because many people do not realize how dangerous it is. Young, inexperienced drivers cause a high amount of accidents. Elderly drivers can also increase the risks and make critical mistakes. One could argue that drivers need far more training and testing before they’re allowed on the road.
Regardless of the reasons, it is clear that car accidents are here to stay. You face that risk week in and week out. If you lose a loved one or suffer serious injuries, make sure you know all of your legal options.
