Mixed Numbers Show National Auto Accident Fatalities Trend Stays High

One of the big stories of the COVID-19 pandemic was the fact that there was a steep increase in the number of fatalities caused by auto accidents in the U.S..  One of the reasons that experts believed that to be happening was that drivers who were out on the roads while they were much less congested were taking bigger risks, driving faster and often driving while distracted.  It was the hope of experts that this trend would turn downward once things began opening up and congestion returned to our roadways.  In 2021, the trend continued to be on the high side.

With that said, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reporting out new numbers that point to some good news on the story of the national trend in fatalities caused by auto accidents.  While the overall early reporting of numbers for the first half of 2022 are being reported as an increase of 0.5% over the 2021 numbers, the report also found that in the 2nd quarter fatalities declined for the first time since 2020.  This is a small but positive step in the right direction for this reported data.

So, what do these numbers mean for those interesting in avoiding a New Haven auto accident?  While there is a positive trend in the 2nd quarter of 2022 in this new batch of numbers, the fatality rate is still troubling and remains stubbornly high from their pre-pandemic levels.  In fact, the number of fatalities so far in 2022 is a staggering 20,175 people, compared with 2020 levels of 20,170.

All of these are just numbers on a page unless we use them to inform how we decide to drive in our own neighborhoods and on our own highways.  Putting good driving habits to use to keep yourself and your passengers safe is the best thing you can do to make sure you do not become a part of these statistics.  In fact, acting in a safe way behind the wheel is something we can all do to bring these numbers back down to a manageable level so we can avoid this epidemic of auto accident fatalities.

As a driver, you can do the following to keep yourself and your passengers safe on Connecticut’s roads.

1.) Drive the speed limit.  One of the biggest factors in auto accident fatalities is excessive speed.  If you are speeding not only are you more likely to get into an accident but you are more likely to be in a fatal auto accident.  Driving at the speed limit is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe behind the wheel.

2.) Avoid distractions.  Distractions while you’re driving can be anything from looking down at your phone to eating your lunch or even talking with your passenger.  If you are distracted in any way you are more likely to find yourself in an accident then if you are focused entirely on the road in front of you.

3.) Wear your seat belt.  Research has shown time and time again that seat belts save lives and if you’re not wearing one when you get into an accident it is much more likely that you will be severely injured or killed as a result of the accident rather than escaping with limited injuries.

Avoiding a New Haven auto accident is not only good for you and the passengers who are in your vehicle but it is also good for the general population to keep everyone on the road safe.  While accidents will likely happen, taking the above steps can limit the possibility and also the severity of these accidents.

If you do find yourself in a situation where you’ve been injured whether you were behind the wheel or not, you may need to speak with an attorney who is experienced in these types of cases and can work with you on the details of your particular situation.  Contact our office and one of our attorneys will spend time with you to learn about your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.