Category: Car Accidents

The US Department of Transportation began an annual census of motor vehicle deaths beginning in 1975. In that year, 44,525 deaths were reported, and the first few years of the census, the numbers rose each year. The highest total reported was 1979, when 51,093 people were killed in crashes. In 1992, the toll dipped below 40,000 for the first time and then stayed between 40,000-43,000, until 2008, when fatalities dropped to 37,423.

Most people know about the dangers of driving drunk, or of texting behind the wheel, but many are not aware just how dangerous it is to drive when you’re drowsy. If you don’t get at least five hours of sleep before driving, statistics show that you’ll drive about the same as someone who is alcohol impaired. Not only is that dangerous for you, it’s a hazard to other drivers on the road. Your risk of an accident goes up significantly when you’re drowsy, which is why it’s so very important to get enough sleep before you decide to get in your car and drive.

It’s that time of year. Thanksgiving is this week and shortly after that holiday parties will begin. From work to family to the neighborhood watch, celebrations abound. And they are often accompanied by alcohol–sometimes copious amounts.

Things are rapidly changing in the automotive world and one of the biggest changes is the creation of self-driving cars. In the future, it is likely people will be able to just ride along on the way to work or other places, which could make their commute less frustrating, more enjoyable and much more productive. The consensus seems to be that the roadways will be safer if there are more cars that are driven automatically and fewer cars driven by human beings. The federal government recently opened the door for automakers to create more of these vehicles.

Recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issued a report that revealed that although the majority of teen driving happens in the daytime, the majority of fatal crashes affecting teens happen at night.

Speed can often play a role in serious crashes. These car accidents may have catastrophic outcomes that affect several people, and some of those people may not survive such incidents. When fatalities result from wrecks, there may be legal repercussions that could also have a significant impact if the families of the victims wish to pursue civil claims.