It’s National Traffic Awareness Month and a very good time to remind drivers and pedestrians alike of how to stay safe on our nation’s roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle accidents were responsible for 42,915 deaths in 2021 – more than a ten percent increase from the year prior.
Motor Vehicle Accidents – A Look at the Numbers
Traffic deaths reached a 16-year high, and this troubling trend continues. Here’s a look at the numbers and how they increased.
- Fatal accidents on urban streets up 16 percent
- Fatal multi-vehicle accidents up 16 percent
- Fatal accidents involving senior drivers up 14 percent
- Fatal accidents involving a large tractor trailer up 13 percent
- Fatal pedestrian accidents up 13 percent
- Fatal motorcycle accidents up 9 percent
- Fatal bicyclist accidents up 5 percent
While we’ve touched on the fatal accidents, there are countless others that involve injuries. Did you know there are roughly 6 million accidents in the United States each year? Thousands of accidents happen daily, and many people never recover fully from their injuries.
What is National Traffic Awareness Month?
Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian crossing the street, everyone is responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. National Traffic Awareness Month was created to educate everyone about traffic safety rules to help reduce accidents that lead to injuries and deaths.
5 Tips to Stay Safe on the Road
Here are a few pointers to follow to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Always Follow Traffic Rules
Running red lights and stop signs are among the most common causes of car and pedestrian accidents. When approaching a red light or a stop sign, you are required by law to come to a complete stop. This also stands true for pedestrians who should always stop when a red pedestrian light is in place. Pay attention, reduce your speed, yield on yellow, and only go when the light turns green, and you have observed that nothing is in your path to proceed.
Be Vigilant and Aware of Your Surroundings
Roadways are a shared space. Even though you are following the rules, those around you may not be following all the safety regulations. One distracted driver or a jaywalking pedestrian can spell disaster for those around them. Defensive driving and walking means being vigilant and always aware of your surroundings to not only protect yourself, but your passengers and those around you.
Schedule Regular Car Maintenance
A lot of variables can contribute to a car accident – the weather, confusing signage, speeding, distracted driving, to name a few. However, cars that are driving with worn brake pads or tires can also lead to catastrophic accidents. Many automobile manufacturers provide a recommended maintenance schedule. It’s a good reference point to keep you on track, and your vehicle in the best possible shape.
Buckle Up
Did you know by buckling up you can reduce your chances of a fatal and serious injuries by 50%? Wearing a seatbelt is one of the best ways you can protect yourself in the event an accident happens. And don’t stop with yourself. As the driver, you have the right to demand everyone in your vehicle is buckled up. You are responsible for their safety, so there should be no hesitation to insist on this action.
Don’t Drive Under the Influence
This doesn’t need a lot of explanation. Whether you’re walking along a road or getting behind the wheel of a car, driving or walking impaired not only puts you at risk, but also others around you.
Our Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys in York, PA are Available 24/7
National Traffic Awareness Month is a good reminder to all of us to practice caution and safety on the road. Following a few of these simple steps can go a long way to help buck the trend of accidents being on the rise year-after-year.
Our motor vehicle accident attorneys at the law offices of Dale E. Anstine have decades of experience helping the injured in York County and have won more than $250,000,000 for our clients. Injured? We can help you too. Just dial 717-846-0606, engage in our live chat, or fill out our quick form on our site for a free consultation.