Autoweek reports that northeast drivers are the most dangerous in the country when it comes to car crashes, or at least that is what the survey says. It is undeniable that streets in New York City are loaded with speeders, red light runners, tailgaters and distractions, which create a high potential for car accidents in Queens, Manhattan and throughout the City. These behaviors are dangerous and can easily be the cause of accidents ranging from minor fender benders to fatal car crashes; all of which can be costly emotionally, physically and financially.
It is no surprise to New York injury lawyer Nicholas Rose that New York motorists did not make the Top 10 list on the Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report since we are not known for our patience and courtesy on streets and roadways.
Allstate does an annual survey of cities with the least number of crashes and Fort Collins, Colorado has topped the list for the second year in a row. A driver in this Colorado city averages one crash every 14 years, which is almost 30 percent lower than the national average of a driver getting in an accident once in every 10 years.
Eight East Coast cities made the Top 10 list for the highest crash averages including nearby Newark, NJ (4), Philadelphia (6) and Jersey City, NJ (8). New York tallied in at 22 on the list. If you are surprised by this, don’t be. The survey is based on claims of property damage over a 2-year period adjusted by population. Many accidents go unreported and not all automobiles are covered by Allstate Insurance which can certainly skew the results of the study, especially in a city as heavily populated as New York.
Allstate offers the following advice to motorists in New York:
-Maintain your vehicle to make sure it is in good working condition. This means having your mechanic do routine brake and exhaust system inspections, oil changes and tire rotations. Batteries and hoses should also be checked and replaced as needed.
-Keep your distance from aggressive drivers. Driving at non-peak hours and allowing plenty of time for travel can reduce the tension you feel while you drive.
-Never follow too closely behind a vehicle in order to avoid a tailgate incident. Tailgaters are typically found at fault in a rear-end collision.
-Rain, fog, ice and snow can all change the road surface conditions and make traveling more dangerous. Slow down and stay alert during inclement weather.
-Keep distractions to a minimum. It is against the law to talk or text on your cell phone but limiting discussions with passengers, eating, drinking, and changing the radio station can help keep your eyes on the road and attention focused on driving.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Queens, Manhattan or surrounding areas of New York City, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC for advice about what to do next. For a free appointment to speak with an attorney call 1-877-313-7673.
Additional Resources:
Drivers in northeastern U.S. have highest crash average, insurance survey finds, by Jake Lingeman, Autoweek.
Speeding and Driver Inattention Are Common Causes of Teen Car Accidents in New York City, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, August 29, 2011.
Public Awareness and Enforcement of Distracted Driving Laws Can Reduce Cell Phone-Related Car Accidents in New York City, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, August 6, 2011.
New York Crashes Costly to Victims and Their Families Involved in Manhattan Car Accidents, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, July 26, 2011.
