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ALARMING CAR ACCIDENTS IN ALABAMA – FATAL CAR CRASH STATISTICS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Car crashes are a leading cause of death in Alabama, with the state ranking second-worst in the nation for fatal accidents. In fact, an Alabaman dies in a car crash every 8 hours and 53 minutes.
Why is Alabama So Dangerous?
Several factors contribute to Alabama's high rate of car crash fatalities:
- Distracted driving: Alabama has one of the lowest rates of texting and driving tickets in the nation, indicating a lack of enforcement.
- Lack of comprehensive safety laws: Alabama lacks many safety laws found in other states, such as mandatory seat belt use for all passengers.
- Dangerous road conditions: Alabama's roads are often poorly maintained, with potholes, debris, and inadequate signage contributing to accidents.
Alabama Car Accident Data
According to Yellowhammer News and Safewise, a national data organization, Alabama car accidents fatality rate for car crashes is 21.3 deaths per 100,000 people – a rate second only to Mississippi, and over twice the national average (11.6 deaths per 100,000 people).
In a state where the population is 4.88 million, that means 1,038 people are expected to die in Alabama this year in car accidents.
Why is our rate so high? Yellowhammer News explains the phenomenon with two observations:
- Alabama, along with Mississippi, does not have a statewide law banning handheld cell phones while driving.
- Drivers in Alabama are more distracted; police have issued just 38 tickets per 100,000 for texting and driving. New York’s death rate is just 5.2 per 100,000 people and they issued 11,996 tickets per 100,000 people for texting and driving.
The conclusion is that tougher laws and their enforcement are both needed to make roads safer for Alabama drivers and passengers.
Case in point: the minimum fine for texting and driving in Alabama is just $25 per ticket. That’s one of the lowest rates in the nation, above only a few states that have no texting and driving laws.
Alabama’s high rate of auto accidents may be partly attributed to the lack of many safety laws that exist in other states. When this is coupled with the increasing rate of distracted drivers on the road, it unfortunately leads to disaster for many Alabamian families every year.
HOW TO REDUCE FATAL CAR ACCIDENTS
In an in-depth study, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) provided a blueprint for policy makers on how to reduce the number of deadly car wrecks. They pointed to six different pillars of better policy that can help lower fatality rates:
- National programs and target-setting with partnerships with states
- Safer driving behavior
- Safer vehicles and roads
- Safer pedestrians and other vulnerable road users
- Education, training, and publicity
- Data systems to provide better metrics
Alabama can do better to improve in each of these categories. Tougher laws, in conjunction with harsher punishments and better safety education to the public, can help lower fatalities.
Using data to analyze accident hotspots and trends can allow Alabama law enforcement to better position themselves, something Colorado successfully implemented a few years back.
Lastly, having better roads and highways can help reduce fatal car crashes, which means better transportation funding.
Alabama can come a long away from the bottom if politicians and the public take car accidents seriously and do whatever they can to lower our sky-high fatality rate.
What Can Be Done?
To address the crisis of car accidents in Alabama, we need a multi-faceted approach that includes:
- Stricter enforcement of traffic laws: This includes cracking down on distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving.
- Improved road infrastructure: Investing in better roads, bridges, and signage can help prevent accidents.
- Increased public awareness: Educating drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of safety can make a difference.
- Access to justice: If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney to protect your rights.
Recent Car Accidents in Alabama 2022
2022 has seen its share of tragic car accidents in Alabama. As we progress through the year, the state continues to grapple with numerous challenges, from distracted driving to outdated safety regulations. With Alabama being one of the top states for fatal car crashes, it's crucial for its citizens to stay updated on recent accidents, understand the causes, and take necessary precautions.
By working together, we can make Alabama's roads safer for everyone. Contact your elected officials and demand stronger traffic safety laws. Buckle up, slow down, and pay attention while driving. And if you're ever involved in a car accident, seek legal help immediately.
FAQ's about Car Accidents in Alabama
The primary type of damages we can pursue is called compensatory damages. Compensatory damages include non-economic and economic damages. These damages include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Cost of further medical treatment
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
An experienced personal injury attorney in Chattanooga must prove that your damages are quantifiable. Additionally, if the defendant acted egregiously, you might recover punitive damages.
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