Avoiding Car Accidents
Canada has one of the lowest accident fatality rates of any country, but distraction, fatigue, alcohol, and aggressive driving put millions at risk. Road safety awareness can reduce the risk of personal injury and unnecessary accidents that can put your life and legal status in jeopardy.
Why Do Car Accidents Happen?
In 2008, Canada was ranked as the 10th safest country in terms of accident fatalities, according to Transport Canada, compared to other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. Yet, Canada has a comprehensive program, the latest of which is Road Safety Strategy 2015. It’s the third edition of a road safety awareness initiative begun in 2011. The program focuses on reducing fatalities and serious injuries among several target/risk groups, including drivers 16 to 24 years old, those with heart disease and other medical conditions, and people who speed, do not wear seatbelts, and drive impaired or without a valid license.
National safety strategies are a way to raise awareness and educate the public. However, the only way to reduce the risk of personal injury is to drive safely. Improved road infrastructure, education, and enforcement of traffic laws can help, but here are some of the leading factors in avoiding car accidents.
Distracted driving – far too many people use cell phones, digital music players, and even GPS systems while driving, but grooming, reading, eating, or even talking to others in the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash. Observing signs/billboards, collisions, and police activity can take your eyes of the road, so it can be impossible to avoid an accident.
Drinking and driving – under Canadian law, a blood-alcohol count of .08 or above or behaviors characteristic of impairment make an individual in violation of the Criminal Code of Canada. According to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), nearly 40 percent of car accident fatalities in 2008, and 20 percent of serious injuries, could be attributed to alcohol consumption.
Aggressive driving – speeding is a major contributor to automobile crashes, personal injuries, and fatalities. Incidents involving driving over the speed limited often involve young and/or intoxicated drivers. Aggressive driving activities also include tailgating, running red lights, and weaving in and out of traffic among other actions.
Fatigue – driver fatigue resulted in about 20 percent of fatal collisions in 2010, according to the CCMTA. Yawning or even closing one’s eyes for a moment can put a driver and passengers in danger. If you’re too tired, your mind may wander, you may drift into another lane, and there may be a delay in your braking response.
Safety Is #1 in Personal Injury Law
Those, of course, are just a few risk factors. Avoiding a car accident requires being attentive to vulnerable road users, such as motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Car safety features such as electronic stability control have helped reduce single-vehicle crashes, according to Consumer Reports, and lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and collision avoidance features are useful for improving safety.
Parking lots are vulnerable areas; drivers are often distracted by finding parking spots, but features such as backup cameras and rear cross-traffic alert help, as does being alert yourself.
Been in an Accident? Accident Lawyers Will Help
Mackesy Smye is the best law firm if you have been in a car accident. Our personal injury lawyers will examine your case and explain exactly what you may be entitled to. Whether you were the driver or the victim of another motorist’s negligence, you have a personal injury law firm on your side.
Click the below button to contact us today and have our Hamilton personal injury lawyers review your case during your free consultation. This will allow us to account for the circumstances, injuries, and pain and suffering that resulted from your car accident.