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One of the main reasons we have a Coroner system is to learn from the most tragic of events in the hopes that other similar tragedies might be avoided. Looking back at the last group of traffic fatalities that I have investigated, there seem to be recurrent themes that are seen over and over again.
Ignoring safety devices is one theme. We continue to see severe injury and death when people fail to use their seat belt. We have safer cars than ever, with multiple air bags, better brakes, skid control, crumpling glass, but it all depends on people being properly strapped into their seats, for the safety devices to help.
Speed is rarely a factor on its own. It goes with erratic driving. These are drivers who make unexpected decisions while driving that cause other drivers to react evasively or exert a greater degree of vigilance and stress. It is not absolute speed. Our highways and modern vehicles can easily handle very high rates of speed. It is when the speed is used with poor judgment that problems occur. For example, driving 120 km/hr in a dry, sunny, non-crowded, passing lane of a super highway is safely done daily, but the same speed on a dark, slippery exit ramp can be fatal. It is too difficult to legislate the need for good judgment. Seasoned police officers try to target erratic speeders, since we know that group is most in need of reminders.
Alcohol and drug use is the third factor. Alcohol is the most common substance slowing down reaction times and impairing judgment, but sedatives, marijuana and narcotics are factoring into the picture more often, the latter ones being harder to notice.
Finally, cell phone use and texting have put a whole new dimension into the accident investigation field. We live in a new wireless world which is expanding. Using these devices in their current form while driving is dangerous. Putting restrictions on their use while driving is difficult to enforce. To illustrate the point, I had one of my assistant residents count how many drivers they could spot using a cell phone on the 401 during rush hour. We spotted a shocking nine in less than 3 minutes. One study showed that while texting, your brain blocks out the left side of your visual field without you realizing it. Numerous friends admit to having a close call while using a cellular device. With time, technology will catch up and new safer ways to integrate phones into our cars will be introduced. Examples include strobe lights that signal other drivers a device is in use or newer windshield displays and voice technology.
For the time being, it is a fatal combination to drink, text, drive aggressively and not use your seat belt. It is a pattern that is beginning to repeat itself to cause a lot of harm and grief particularly among younger male drivers.
Related resources:
● Traffic collision from Wikipedia. "A traffic collision, also known as a traffic accident, motor vehicle collision, motor vehicle accident, car accident, automobile accident, road traffic collision, wreck (USA), car crash, or car smash (Australian) occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other stationary obstruction, such as a tree or utility pole. Traffic collisions may result in injury, death, vehicle damage, and property damage.
A number of factors contribute to the risk of collision, including vehicle design, speed of operation, road design, road environment, driver skill and/or impairment, and driver behaviour ...
A 1985 report based on British and American crash data found driver error, intoxication and other human factors contribute wholly or partly to about 93% of crashes."
● What Causes Car Accidents? From Smart Motorist. Four factors contribute to the vast majority of collisions. In ascending order they are: Equipment Failure, Roadway Design, Poor Roadway Maintenance, Driver Behavior.
● What to Do After a Car Accident from Arash Law, Injury Lawyers in California. Some essential things to do after a car accident occurs: 1. Get medical attention. 2. Work with law enforcement on the scene. 3. Get photos and videos (if safe). 4. Consult with a personal injury lawyer.
What not to do after a car accident: 1. Do not admit fault. 2. Do not discuss what happened to cause the accident. 3. Do not confront the other driver.
FAQs include: How do I file a police report? Where should I go to get medical treatment? How do I know if I need follow-up medical care? How do I file an insurance claim? What should I say to the insurance company? What type of lawyer do I need? What happens if I can't get a fair settlement offer? Will I have to go to court? What will it cost me to hire a lawyer?
● Top 25 Causes of Car Accidents in the United States, from the Law Offices of Michael Pines: Auto Accident Legal Advice, Serious Accidents.com. 1. Distracted Driving. 2. Speeding. 3. Drunk Driving. 4. Reckless Driving. 5. Rain. 6. Running Red Lights. 7. Running Stop Signs. 8. Teenage Drivers. 9. Night Driving. 10. Design Defects. 11. Unsafe Lane Changes. 12. Wrong-Way Driving. 13. Improper Turns. 14. Tailgating. 15. Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. 16. Ice. 17. Snow. 18. Road Rage. 19. Potholes. 20. Drowsy Driving. 21. Tire Blowouts. 22. Fog. 23. Deadly Curves. 24. Animal Crossing. 25. Street Racing. Site provides further details on each cause.
● Distracted Driving from Serious Accidents.com. Distracted drivers are quietly causing a staggering amount of serious car accidents. In fact, driver distractions are the leading cause of most auto accidents.
● Distracted Driving Information & Guidance from SR22Insurance. Contents include: How to Avoid Distracted Driving, Technology and Apps That Help Avoid Distracted Driving, Important Statistics.
● What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents? From InsuranceHotline.com, Sep 23, 2021.
● Why are the Car Accidents Happening? (cause and effect) Essay by spoonful, January 2005. Car accidents can happen to drivers anytime, anywhere. In general, about twenty million people die or become injured due to car accidents each year nationwide. Among the car accidents, the teenage group is the only age group who is number of deaths is increasing instead of decreasing ...
First, drinking and driving is the leading cause of car accidents. Driving while intoxicated is dangerous ...
Second, using cell phones while driving causes car accidents ...
Another cause of accidents on the road is teenage drivers. Some teenagers cause fatal accidents, because of immaturity and lack of experience ...
● Causes and Effects of Traffic Accidents by Janise Smith, eHow Contributor. Distracted Drivers, Impaired Drivers and Driver Fatigue, Weather Conditions, Effects of Traffic Accidents.