Traffic Fatality Causes
According to the National Fatality Accident Reporting System (FARS), in 2007, 37,248 individuals died in car accidents. That’s approximately 4 deaths every hour.
What’s responsible? The primary cause of traffic fatalities is reckless and/or negligent driving. Alcohol was involved in a substantial number of fatal car crashes. In 2007, an estimated 12,998 people were killed in crashes where a vehicle operator had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. The good news is that this number is down from 2006 where an estimated 13,491 fatalities occurred as a result of drunk driving.
Teenagers cause the most traffic fatalities due to inexperience, irresponsible behavior, and a lack of respect for safety and traffic rules.
Not surprisingly, inattentiveness of drivers is yet another culprit of traffic fatalities and cases of personal injury in Tennessee. Just the other day, I saw a man speeding in the left-hand lane of I-40 while reading a fully-opened newspaper. Moreover, many people talk while driving—to passengers and on the phone. And, we all know about the Legislatures’ concern over people driving while texting!
Car accidents in Tennessee and throughout the country can be very traumatic and sometimes affect people for the rest of their lives. Not only can serious personal injury and death result, but mental stress and family strain too.
Those who negligently and recklessly cause these injuries should be held accountable. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Tennessee motor vehicle accident, call 866-853-2888 to speak with the skilled car accident and wrongful death attorneys in Knoxville at Baker Associates.
