How often do New Mexico drivers think about the potential consequences of their habits? During any given commute, the average driver most likely has his or her mind set on getting to or from work as quickly as possible. Others tend to daydream or engage in distractions afforded by technology and the urge to multitask.
Unfortunately, this is considered the norm. The consequences aren't usually considered until it's too late -- until a person is severely injured or a life is lost.
Evening if you've engaged in speeding, aggressive driving, distraction, and even impaired driving without any issue, now is the time to evaluate your habits.
The numbers don't lie
In 2018, the United States saw approximately 36,750 traffic fatalities, making it the third deadliest year of this decade. This is according to a USA Today article that cites crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We'd like to think that with the advent of semi-autonomous safety technology coming standard in most new cars, we'd see a more significant drop in the number of traffic fatalities. Unfortunately, technology doesn't mask human error.
According to crash analysts, speeding, impaired driving, and distraction are the leading factors in serious crashes and roadway deaths. The numbers for the year 2017 reported by the NHTSA support this claim:
- Speeding resulted in 9,717 traffic fatalities across the US
- Drunk driving resulted in 10,874 fatalities
- Distracted driving (using cellphones and infotainment systems and multitasking) resulted in 3,166 fatalities
Pedestrians at greater risk of being fatally struck
The USA Today article also points to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) that pedestrians are at greater risk of being injured or killed than ever before. In 2018, the US saw 6,227 pedestrian fatalities – up 4 percent from 2017. Unlike car drivers, pedestrians aren't afforded the protection of vehicle frames, seatbelts, and airbags. What's worse, poorly designed roadways, distracted driving, and a rise in sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are becoming a greater threat to pedestrian safety.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation reports that 79 pedestrians were killed across the state in 2017, accounting for 20.8 percent of all statewide traffic fatalities. Approximately 65.8 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred at night or during conditions of poor visibility.
Injured in a crash? Don't wait to get legal help.
If you were injured in a crash that was no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. You need a highly-skilled and knowledgeable attorney on your side who can piece together the evidence and help you build a solid claim.
You can put your trust in Szantho Law Firm. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation.