What Are the Leading Factors That Contribute to Car Accident Fatalities?
Some car accidents are minor fender benders, while a few can take the lives of those traveling on the road. There are many factors that can lead to these fatalities, and most of them are due to the negligence of the other driver.
At Edwards Law Office, P.C., we know that the results of these crashes can have a traumatic impact on the surviving family members, both emotionally and financially. Let’s examine the top causes of fatal car accidents in Wyoming.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the top causes of fatal car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed over 3,308 lives in 2022. Unfortunately, the problem has worsened over the years with the rise of mobile technology. Whether texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems, these distractions can take the driver’s attention off the road. In turn, that can lead to a fatal accident.
These distractions can lead to a decrease in a driver’s reaction time. If there is a change in traffic patterns, road conditions, or an obstruction in the road, the driver will not have enough time to respond. For example, a driver who looks down to read a text may fail to notice the car in front has stopped, leading to a fatal rear-end collision.
Speeding
Another top factor in fatal car accidents is speed. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 29% of all traffic fatalities in the United States were speeding-related in 2022, with 45% of crashes in Wyoming resulting in the death of a person. Many drivers speed on the road, but few think about the consequences of their actions. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they reduce their ability to control their vehicles and increase stopping distances. In short, speed can increase the severity of the collision. High-speed crashes are often more devastating because the force of impact is greater. Even with airbags and seatbelts, it can be harder to protect the occupants.
Speeding increases the likelihood of losing control, especially when navigating curves or challenging road conditions. Even small increases in speed on highways can drastically reduce a driver’s ability to react to obstacles or changes in traffic patterns, such as a vehicle merging or slowing down.
Drunk Driving
National and local campaigns have focused on the dangers of drunk driving, but that does not seem like it is enough. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 32 people die in the U.S. every day in alcohol-related crashes, accounting for almost one-third of all traffic fatalities. When a driver is impaired, it can affect their ability to concentrate, react quickly, and make decisions on the road. Alcohol slows down motor skills and impairs vision. As a result, it is harder for drivers to stay in their lane, maintain a safe following distance, or avoid obstacles.
Reckless Driving and Aggressive Behavior
Another problem over the years is reckless driving. This can include several different dangerous behaviors, such as tailgating, changing lanes abruptly without signaling, running red lights, and ignoring traffic laws. Aggressive driving and road rage can cause the driver to make impulsive decisions, such as cutting off another vehicle or slowing down in front of them. All these actions can increase the likelihood of causing a fatal accident since they involve unpredictable maneuvers and a lack of consideration for others.
Reckless drivers endanger themselves and threaten the safety of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. For example, a driver who runs a red light could collide with another vehicle and cause a deadly crash.
Fatigue and Drowsy Driving
Tired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased awareness. In many cases, driving while drowsy can cause the same effects as driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the National Sleep Foundation, driving after being awake for 20 consecutive hours impairs driving ability as much as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.
Drowsy driving is common among long-haul truck drivers, shift workers, and individuals who do not get enough sleep regularly. Many drivers underestimate the impact fatigue has on their ability to drive safely. Fatigue can cause microsleep, which are brief moments of unintended sleep lasting a few seconds. During these microsleeps, a driver may lose control of the vehicle or drift into another lane without realizing it, leading to a potentially fatal crash.
Nighttime driving is especially dangerous for tired drivers. A lack of natural light can increase a driver’s feelings of drowsiness and reduce visibility. Additional NSC data suggests that around 328,000 drowsy driving crashes occur annually.
Weather-Related Conditions
One cause of a fatal car crash is not related to driver behavior, and that is weather-related factors. Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and make roads more slippery. In turn, that can increase the chances of losing control. For example, wet roads can cause a vehicle’s tires to lose traction on the surface, leading to a loss of control and even a fatal crash.
Snow and ice are extremely dangerous in Wyoming. These conditions can reduce tire traction and make it difficult to stop or turn. In foggy conditions, visibility can be limited. As a result, drivers may not be able to see other vehicles, road signs, or hazards until it’s too late.
Fatal car accidents are often preventable, but they continue to claim thousands of lives each year due to these factors. If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal car accident, you may be able to take legal action against the other driver. Consulting with an experienced Cheyenne car accident lawyer will help determine your next options.