Every driver wants to avoid a car accident, even though we all make mistakes at some point that could result in one.
However, there are certain things drivers do that increase not only their risk of crashing but also the chances that an accident is fatal.
Risk factors for deadly accidents
According to statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation, some of the commonly cited factors in fatal crashes include:
- Occupants not wearing a seatbelt
- Speeding drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Unlicensed drivers
- Alcohol use
Because these factors can mean more force, less protection and more direct collisions in the event of impact, they can make crashes worse than they might have been otherwise.
Therefore, to protect yourself in a crash, you should wear your seatbelt, refrain from driving while impaired and obey speed limits.
It can also help to know when and where most fatal accidents occur in Illinois. According to reports, most fatal crashes occur:
- On weekends
- Between 8 p.m. and midnight
- On dry roadways
- On city streets
Knowing where the risk of fatal crashes is highest can help drivers make decisions that help them stay safer in these environments.
Protecting yourself from a fatal crash
With this information in mind, you might opt for public transportation instead of driving if you are going somewhere on a Saturday night. Or you could be especially vigilant when you are driving in the city on the weekends.
You can also commit yourself to always wearing your seatbelt and complying with traffic laws.
Unfortunately, not every motorist is going to take these same precautions. They will continue to take risks like drinking or using their cellphone while driving, despite the obvious risks to their safety and the safety of others on the road.
Should a fatal accident occur, the negligent or reckless party can be responsible when survivors file a legal claim. Doing so will not undo a devastating fatality, but it can prevent others from suffering a similar loss. It can also provide financial relief to loved ones coping with the fallout of a fatal crash.