Top Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

According to research, by 2030, fatal car accidents will be the seventh leading cause of fatality in the Baltimore area. There are a wide range of factors that help explain why car accidents happen, including socio-economic and geographical factors, population density, and traffic in areas where fatal accidents tend to occur. Most fatal car accidents that occur today in the Baltimore area are caused by distracted driving, substance abuse, and speeding.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving continues to be a serious problem in Maryland, and across the country. To make the problem even more complex, there are three types of distractions that can cause drivers to take their attention away from the road. The three types of distractions are:

• Visual distractions: Any type of distraction that takes the driver’s attention off the road ahead.
• Manual distractions: Anything that causes the driver to take his or her hands off the wheel.
• Cognitive distractions: Any distraction that causes the driver’s mind to wander and think about things besides driving.

Some of the most common distracted driving behaviors that people engage in on a regular basis include talking or texting on the phone, eating or drinking, checking the GPS, reaching for something on the floor or in the back seat, or interacting with other passengers. By raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and enforcing stricter penalties for those who continue to drive while distracted, safety officials hope that the number of fatalities will be significantly reduced.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Another major cause of fatal car accidents is drunk driving and other types of substance abuse. Approximately 45 percent of fatal car crashes are related to alcohol and substance abuse. Drunk driving is particularly dangerous and, in most cases, results in injuries that require immediate medical care. In drunk driving accidents involving pedestrians, victims aged 50 to 55 and 75 to 80 are particularly vulnerable as they may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid being hit.

Speeding

Speeding has, and continues to be, a major cause of serious car wrecks. The faster a car is traveling, the more serious the accident and resulting injuries if the car hits another vehicle. While younger males are more likely to speed than young females, this type of behavior tends to decrease as drivers get older. However, it remains a top cause of traffic fatalities. To address this issue, stricter laws and regulations would need to be established and enforced.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Serious Car Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident involving another driver who was engaged in a dangerous driving behavior like speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving, contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. These accidents could be avoided if motorists made safe choices when getting behind the wheel. We will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, contact us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.