Although it may seem counterintuitive, the level of humankind’s measured intelligence and the number of car accident fatalities on roadways in California and other states across the nation are both on the rise. The 8 percent increase that was recorded during 2015 was the largest jump in auto crash fatalities in 50 years. The upward trend continued in 2016 when more than 40,000 lives were reported lost in deadly collisions nationwide.
Without a solid understanding of the reasons that these accidents have taken place, some motorists may find it difficult to avoid becoming another statistic. However, science could potentially supply the necessary answers. At the University of Michigan and other institutions, researchers are working to provide the public with a detailed analysis of what happens during the approximately 6 million collisions that take place in the U.S. on an annual basis.
Based on the evidence, researchers have identified the six most common car accident scenarios. Drivers who heed the findings may be able to avoid injury or death in a preventable accident. Studies indicate that getting less than seven hours of sleep and being alone in a vehicle without a source of caffeine could lead to a crash. Overreacting or overcompensating to an unexpected event on the roadway could have the same result. Driving into the blind, following another motorist too closely and driving while distracted could also end in disaster. Finally, motorists would do well to remember to come to a full stop before making a right turn on red.
When a serious accident that is caused by a negligent motorist occurs, injured occupants of other vehicles may find it beneficial to seek help from an auto accident attorney. In some situations, the attorney may be able to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.