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There are plenty of useful ways to look at statistics. When it comes to car accidents, Boise car accident statistics help guide insurance companies as well as the highway and transportation departments. They even help guide members of law enforcement in uncovering specific dangers and problems that drivers might face. This information can help everyone on the road make adjustments to help prevent and manage some of the issues that cause car accidents in Boise. By taking a look at the most common car accident issues and the results of those issues, drivers can see the reality of specific dangers that they might not take seriously otherwise.
When looking at car accident statistics, it can be helpful to have something to compare to in order to get a clear picture. National comparisons can help examine the trends that are occurring around the country, but they also help give an idea of how individual states measure up. In 2014, national statistics show that there were 2.34 million people injured in car accidents, as well as 32,675 fatalities across the nation. Specifically, 186 of those fatalities were from Idaho, with eight of them occurring in Boise. Further, twenty-two people were involved in those fatal accidents, an indication that, in Boise, twenty-two people and their families had their lives altered forever because of a car accident.
Nationwide, the most common cause of many car accidents, whether they result in injuries or fatalities, is distracted driving. This means the driver at fault was either doing something other than driving or simply wasn’t paying attention while they were driving. When it comes to distracted driving accidents, Idaho is in line with national statistics. Nationally, distracted driving is the cause of 10% of all fatal car accidents, the same percentage as in Idaho. Of fatalities in Idaho car accidents, two occurred in Boise, and 17% involved drunk or otherwise impaired driving. Unfortunately, this is an indication that the majority of car accidents in Boise are entirely preventable and occur because of someone else’s negligence.
Distracted driving wasn’t the number one cause of car accidents in Idaho, but it is still a serious problem that can be prevented. Some of the biggest culprits when it comes to distracted driving are cell phones. In 2011, 23% of car crashes involved cell phones. People who text or make phone calls while they are driving create a real hazard for themselves, their passengers, and anyone else who happens to be on the road at the same time as them. In fact, text messaging while driving creates a crash risk that is twenty-three times worse than driving while not distracted. It cannot be stressed enough that no text is so important that it is worth putting your life or anyone else’s in danger. The same is true of any phone call, message, or anything else that can potentially take your eyes away from the road.
Drunk driving has been an issue ever since there was a potential to combine driving with drinking. In 2014, Idaho had fifty-nine alcohol-related traffic fatalities. Now, with certain prescription drugs being so readily available and increasing in popularity, they are considered just as dangerous as alcohol when it comes to driving under the influence. It isn’t always the impaired driver who suffers injuries in these accidents. In fact, drivers under the influence may suffer fewer injuries than others simply because they don’t react as quickly, so they don’t brace themselves, which can cause more severe injuries. Even if impaired driving doesn’t lead to death, there are still serious consequences that change the lives of anyone who happens to be involved.
If you or someone you love has been in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important that you consult an experienced car accident lawyer immediately. Our lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates can navigate the process on your behalf and ensure that the right people are held responsible for your injuries and loss. We can help you figure out the best way to move forward and, if you are entitled to compensation, make sure you and your family members get what you deserve. Contact our office online or call (800) 404-9000 for a free consultation.