For people on the North Carolina roads between 2020 and 2021, there was good reason to worry about safety. The auto accident statistics rose substantially as did the number of injuries and fatalities.
Researchers, legislators and law enforcement have tried to determine why that is the case and it is believed that the combination of fewer people on the road due to the national crisis along with the prevalence of bad behavior were serious contributors to the uptick. In 2022, there has been something of an improvement, but that does not mean the roads are safe. It is important for people taking to the road to be aware of the accident causes and to know what to expect after a collision.
Driver behaviors have reportedly improved and accidents have declined slightly
According to the statistics, the increase in North Carolina road deaths from 2020 to 2021 was 5% with around 1,700 people losing their lives. This was the highest total in 20 years. In 2022; however, the numbers improved. Much of that is due to drivers behaving in a safer manner.
Distracted driving was a known problem. Since 2017, distracting driving accidents and deaths have risen by 15%. The most recent count for 2022 had 117 deaths because of distracted driving. Lawmakers tried to address it with legislation that would stop drivers from using handheld devices, but it stalled. There is a plan to reintroduce it in the coming months.
Other steps that the state is taking include investment in enhanced safety such as teaching younger drivers about how to avoid crashes, stopping distraction and tamping down on risky driving in work zones where people are inherently vulnerable. For the work zone issue, the Move Over Law where drivers are required to change lanes or reduce speed when they cannot change lanes is being emphasized to a greater degree.
Qualified and caring representation can help after an auto accident
Even those who have been fortunate enough to avoid being in a collision should know about these concerns. Auto accidents can happen in an instant and people might face a litany of challenges because of it. From catastrophic injuries to fatalities, medical expenses, lost companionship, long-term damage and lost wages, there is much to consider. For help with all types of accidents, consulting with experienced people who know the ins and outs of personal injury cases can be crucial.