According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each year there are more than six million car accidents in the United States. A person dies in an auto accident every 12 minutes and each year, car crashes claim over 40,000 lives. The leading cause of death for people between the ages of two and thirty-four years old is vehicular crashes. Someone is injured by a car accident every 14 seconds and about two million of the people injured in auto accidents suffer permanent injuries each year. Car accidents are the leading cause of acquired disability nationwide. In 2008, there were over 5.8 million car accidents, 1,630,000 personal injuries stemming from car accidents, and 34,017 people died as a result.
Many accidents that occur have very minimal or no injuries sustained to vehicle occupants. At the same time, there are examples of where injuries have a significant impact on one’s health, and can even lead to death. Below are examples of the more serious injuries that can be caused by car accidents.
Paying attention while driving is the best way to avoid accidents altogether, though there are other drivers on the road who are often distracted, if you aren’t, you increase your chances of avoiding the accident.
Make sure other drivers can see you at all times. Keep your headlights and taillights on at all times.
Never Drive While Under The Influence. This Never Ends Well For Anyone
Obey the rules of the road. There are laws for a reason.
Put your seat-belt on. A recent study shows that many older Americans are no longer using their seat-belts.
There is no certain way to avoid an accident, because no matter how safe, you cannot control the actions of others. You can only control your own action. Stay vigilant, and use your safety devices.
