Tag: auto accident lawyer

A motor vehicle crash kills someone every fifteen minutes. The U.S. Department of Transportation released 2016 crash fatality statistics earlier this month. 37,461 people were killed in traffic accidents. This was an increase of 5.6% over 2015 crash fatalities. Motorcyclist fatalities and pedestrian deaths accounted for more than a third of the increase. The 9% increase in pedestrian fatalities was the highest number since 1990. Motorcycle accident deaths rose by 5.1%. Another notable increase was an 8.6 % increase in large truck crash fatalities.

Passengers of cars and light trucks accounted for 36% of those killed in auto accidents. Together, they totaled 54% of the overall increase in fatalities. Pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-occupants account for 18% of the crash fatalities.

Risky behaviors behind the wheel cause crashes

The NHTSA reported that human choices are linked to 94% of serious crashes. This is evidenced in motor vehicle crash fatality increases in areas including speeding-related crash fatalities, drunk driving deaths and unbelted crash deaths. B up when driving is one of the safest choices both drivers and passengers can make. Seat belt use is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in the event of a crash. Yet, more than 27 million people in the U.S. still don’t wear seat belts.

A National Security Council survey offered a look at risky driver behaviors.

  • 64% of those surveyed said they were comfortable speeding
  • 47% responded that they believe it is safe to text, either manually or by voice, while driving
  • 71 % believe they can have up to three drinks before they are not safe or too impaired to drive.

A deadly motor vehicle crash trend

Motor vehicle deaths increased from 2014 to 2015 and then again from 2015 to 2016. The last time there was increase in motor vehicle crash fatalities of this magnitude was more than 50 years ago from 1963 to 1965.

Motor vehicle crashes are killing our youth at an alarming rate. Auto crashes were the leading cause of death for age 10 and every age 16 through 23 in 2015.

Alcohol-related driving was responsible for 10,497 motor vehicle crash deaths or 28% of the total fatalities in 2017. An average of one alcohol-impaired driving fatality occurred every 50 minutes in 2016. Drivers age 25 to 34 years of age had the highest percentage (27%) of alcohol-impaired driving fatal crashes. Tragically, children accounted for 17% of those who died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.

Injured in a crash? Speak to an accident attorney

If you’ve been injured or a family member killed in a car or truck accident, contact the Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen personal injury law firm. We may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries. This can include lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. Be sure to seek the legal advice of an auto accident lawyer before you settle with an insurance company. Call a Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer today at 570-970-5400

 

 

 

 

WWaySix wrong way crashes near Wilkes-Barre in Northeast Pennsylvania in a little over a year has gotten the attention of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDot). Twelve vehicle accident fatalities occurred in four of those crashes on Pennsylvania highways. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Safety Administration, wrong way driving crashes result in 300 to 400 people killed each year in the United States on average. Because wrong way crashes often involve head-on high speed crashes, they tend to be more severe, causing serious injuries and fatalities.

This week, PennDot began a $778,000 Safety and Wrong Way Crash Improvement Project in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. The road safety improvements are expected to be completed by September 2016. The project will include adding additional signage, warning drivers of Wrong Way and Do Not Enter on off-ramps. It will also include upgrading reflectivity of current signs. According to PennDot, the work will occur at non-signalized off ramps on interstates 80, 81, 84 and the Casey Highway. PennDot will also add high friction surface treatments on certain sections of SR 309 in Luzerne County.

Tips to protect yourself from wrong way crashes

  • Be sure everything in your vehicle is operating correctly, including horn and lights.
  • Always wear your seat belt and be sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.
  • Be aware of the road around you and scan the road in front of you as far as you can see. Watch for vehicles ahead of you breaking or swerving.
  • If you see a wrong way driver coming at you, flash your lights and honk your horn.
  • Pull over as quickly and safely as you can, to get out of the path of the wrong way driver.
  • Call 911 and report the wrong way driver and the location.
  • Alcohol is often a factor in wrong way crashes – Never drink and drive.

The accident attorneys at Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen represent the innocent victims of head on collisions and wrong way crashes near Wilkes-Barre. The Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen law firm has represented hundreds of car, truck and other auto accident victims in Wilkes-Barre and throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.

Call an auto accident lawyer at Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen in Wilkes-Barre today for a free consultation. Call 570-970-5400.