Car accidents claim approximately 1.2 million lives each year throughout the world. That means that 3,000 people die every day from a motor vehicle crash. If trends continue, these figures will only get worst in the years to come.
Because of the risks involved with driving, we all need to do our part to stay safe and prevent as many car accidents, injuries and deaths as we can. To this effect, Volvo Trucks has created the four cornerstones of traffic accident prevention:
— Being alert
— Using seat belts
— Avoiding alcohol
— Following speed limits
Alertness and concentration are the best way to prevent a car crash from happening. For that reason, drivers should never use cellphones, and they should never drive while they are sleepy or having trouble concentrating.
While a seat belt will not prevent you from getting into a crash, it can help you avoid injury and death. In fact, the seat belt is the single most effective piece of safety equipment that all drivers can use to help reduce traffic accident deaths and injuries.
Alcohol is also something drivers need to pay attention to. Not only is it illegal to drive while intoxicated by the substance, but it can also be deadly. In fact, a high percentage of traffic accident fatalities are directly caused by alcohol consumption. The more drivers refrain from drinking and driving, the more lives that will be saved throughout the world.
Finally, speed limits are there for a reason. It’s because there is a certain speed at which it is safe to drive, and when motorists exceed that speed, a lot more accidents will occur. Following speed limit laws will ensure that drivers don’t exceed a safe velocity.
Unfortunately, even drivers who follow all of these suggestions are not completely immune from getting into a car wreck. If you or your loved one have been injured or killed in a North Carolina crash due to no fault of your own, rest assured that the law is on your side. You may be able to pursue financial compensation for damages relating to your injuries or the loss of your loved one.
Source: Volvo Trucks, “At the forefront of traffic safety,” accessed Jan. 27, 2016