Key points from the accident study presented to Congress

Posted in Car Accidents,Our Blog on July 7, 2016

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration presented a report to Congress regarding car accidents in the United States. Specifically, the report looked at accident causes to better understand why they happen and what can be done. Below are a few interesting points from the report.

1. Intersections played a huge role in accidents. A full 36 percent of the cars involved in crashes were at intersections, either going through or turning, when they crashed. As such, the report called this a critical factor.

2. In 11 percent of the accidents, the cause was one vehicle leaving the correct lane. This is seen as evidence that a lane-departure system could prevent future crashes.

3. In 22 percent of the crashes, at least one vehicle went over the side edge of the road. This is why rumble strips are used along expressways, and it could also show that warning systems in vehicles are useful.

4. Only a mere nine percent of the cars were deemed to be fully out of control when they crashed. This can happen in an accident where speed is a major factor.

5. About 12 percent of the cars that were involved in accidents were not moving at all, having come to a stop. This can happen at a stop sign, a railroad crossing, or a traffic control light, and it shows that drivers who follow the proper signals could still be at risk when cars behind them fail to do the same.

If you have been involved in an accident in Louisiana and you were injured, make sure you know what rights you have to compensation for pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages and more.