Our streets are getting more dangerous. As a matter of fact, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that the number of traffic accident deaths is up nearly 10 percent just during the first 7 months of this year. It’s also up another 7 percent from the stats from this time in 2010.
And it’s only expected to get worse. Queens accident lawyers understand that your risks for a fatal car accident are only going to rise as we head into the last part of the year. With the holiday travel season comes more motorists, more drivers and more traffic. When looking at past trends, it’s these factors that cause more accidents. This is not only the result of the holiday season, but it’s also the result of an improving economy. More families now feel more comfortable spending on that vacation they’ve been putting off for months.
The recent spike in fatal accidents brings our death rate to more than 11.5 per 100,000 residents. You might not think that’s a lot for 100,000 residents, but when you think of how many people live in the state of New York (close to 19,500,000 people), all of those fatalities add up. The death rate shows an increase of about 5 percent from last year’s stats.
According to the most recent accident statistics from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, there were close to 315,500 car accidents reported in the state in 2010. In these accidents, there were close to 1,120 people who were killed. Another 134,200 people were injured in these accidents and more than 180,100 were reported as property damage accidents. Throughout the year, there were close to 557.230 vehicles involved in these accidents.
The cost for fatalities, injured and property damage accidents is also on the rise. Officials estimate that these cost exceed $150 billion. That’s an increase of close to 20 percent from last year’s costs.
State officials urge residents to avoid driving in the city. It’s a headache with accident risks that can be avoided. Plus, there are so many other convenient ways to get around. You’re also urged to pay attention to all road signs. You’ll want to plan for parking, too. Bring some quarters with you. Change might not help you to avoid an accident, but it will help to alleviate some of the stresses of your commute.
In general, you’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination — and that’s particularly true as the weather begins to deteriorate. Hurrying invites speeding and other risk taking behavior behind the wheel. One way you most assuredly will not reach your destination on time is being involved in a traffic accident. Practicing patience behind the wheel can help keep you safe on the road.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a traffic accident, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-877-313-7673.
More Blog Entries:
Bad Drivers in NYC Don’t Need a Cell Phone, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, September 9, 2012
Road Rage & Aggressive Driving: Staying Safe in NYC Congestion, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, September 7, 2012
