Top Five Factors In Fatal Auto Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) keeps statistics on the factors that lead to fatal auto accidents in the United States.  While these numbers do not help safety professionals stop the accidents that have already occurred they can be used to identify areas that need additional education and safety measures put in place.

Take for instance the issue of staying in your lane.  This dangerous behavior can lead to a Connecticut auto accident and is a factor in almost 8% of all fatal accidents in the U.S..  This is a statistic that has been used in the development of lane assist technologies that now come standard as a safety feature on many new cars.  Using a system of cameras and sensors many new cars are equipped with a system that helps keep the driver in their lane.  This is a safety feature that directly addresses one of the top factors of fatal accidents in the country.

The top 5 factors that lead to death behind the wheel include:

1. Speeding (16.7%)
2. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medications (10.1%)
3. Failure to stay in your lane (7.2%)
4. Failure to yield the right of way (7%)
5. Distracted driving (5.2%)

These top 5 factors make up nearly 50% of all traffic fatalities in the United States.  It is important that these numbers are known and studied so that safety technologies can be developed and mitigation strategies can be implemented to help prevent Connecticut auto accidents in the future.

When you’re on the road being aware of your own activities and that of drivers around you is the best way to prevent injury or worse, death.  If you find yourself in an accident you may need an attorney to review your case and protect your long-term interests when dealing with the insurance companies.