D.C. Area Road Fatalities Have Spiked

Rates of car accident fatalities have risen on a yearly basis in the D.C. area since 2015. While there are countless causes of road fatalities throughout the nation, the District has seen an influx in residents, which has also contributed to the issue. This has resulted in many more pedestrians, cyclists, and people on scooters crossing the roads than before.

Fortunately, Mayor Bowser has a plan called “Vision Zero”, which has a goal of having zero severe traffic injuries and fatalities occur in the District by 2024. To accomplish this, new safety procedures will encourage safer driving habits. For example, turning right at red stoplights will be banned.

Below are the most frequent causes of the types of car accidents that tend to cause fatalities.

Lack of Sleep

Everyone should know that the lack of sleep could impact how safe your driving is. But at what point does sleep deprivation make your driving suffer? Research has found that the chance of an accident occurring can go up dramatically if an individual normally gets fewer than 5 hours of sleep every day, or if they’ve gotten less than 7 hours of sleep in the past day. Inadequate sleep can greatly impair a driver’s ability to be safe on the road.

Distractions on the Road

This is one of the most prevalent reasons why car collisions take place in America. Distracted driving causes more accidents than drunk driving, speeding, and other major causes. Eating, drinking, and using a phone behind the wheel are frequent reasons why distracted driving collisions occur.

Pushing the Speed Limit

Speeding is a primary cause of deadly car accidents since these collisions take place when cars are traveling extremely fast. Speeding is illegal. A car that’s traveling fast might not be able to slow down in time if an obstruction gets in the way.

Intoxicated Driving

Drivers who have consumed alcohol will have a slower response time and won’t be able to focus as clearly as they would be otherwise. Many drivers are affected by even just one drink and might find that one is enough to cause a great deal of trauma. Since these types of collisions are more preventable, it’s important to always hire a rideshare or taxi service if everyone chooses to partake.

Reckless Driving

Careless drivers are everywhere. Tailgating, abrupt lane changes, and disregarding rules of the road are unfortunate examples of reckless driving. This is common when drivers care more about themselves and what they’re doing while driving instead of considering the safety of other people.
Weather

It’s much more difficult for vehicles to grip the road when it’s wet with rain or snow.
As drivers lose control they are more likely to cause accidents since vehicles are more prone to sliding. Driving hazards can be intensified when vehicles are not maintained as often as they should be. Tires should always have a safe amount of tread. Motorists should always be cognizant of road conditions, traffic, and speed limits when they’re in the middle of extreme weather conditions.