Road Safety in the Spotlight During National Traffic Awareness Month
Every time you get behind the wheel, you're taking a risk, but with the right precautions, many accidents are preventable. Car accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities across the nation, including in Nebraska. Road safety advocates have declared August National Traffic Awareness Month to address this ongoing concern, focusing on the importance of safe driving.
"National Traffic Awareness Month aims to shed light on the safety rules that can help prevent major or minor accidents from taking place," according to National Today, which recently highlighted the event.
But how widespread is the problem of car accidents across the country? Are these crashes just as common in Nebraska? What causes so many collisions, and what steps can drivers take to avoid them? Here's what you should know to stay safe on the road.
The alarming rise of car accidents nationwide
Our roads are more dangerous than ever, with car accidents continuing to claim lives at an alarming rate. Over the past few years, serious car accidents have become increasingly common, with more than 40,000 people losing their lives in crashes each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In 2021 alone, 42,939 people died in car accidents across the country. The following year, 42,544 lives were lost due to motor vehicle accidents. The trend continued in 2023, with 40,990 car accident fatalities. To put these figures into perspective, the numbers were significantly lower just a few years ago, with 36,096 deaths in 2019 and 38,824 in 2020.
Nebraska's growing car accident crisis
Like much of the country, Nebraska continues to grapple with the devastating impact of serious injuries and fatalities caused by car crashes. Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of death in the state.
Over the past decade, at least 211 people have lost their lives in car accidents each year in Nebraska, according to the latest data from the NHTSA and the Nebraska Department of Transportation (Nebraska DOT). In 2022, that number climbed even higher, with 244 car accident fatalities reported in the state.
Common causes of car crashes in Nebraska
Each year, several factors consistently lead to a significant number of car crashes in Nebraska and across the nation. These common causes of collisions include:
- Impaired driving: In 2022 alone, impaired driving claimed the lives of 67 people in Nebraska.
- Speeding: A factor in 48 car accident fatalities in Nebraska in 2022.
Other common contributing factors in many fatal car accidents include:
- Distracted driving, particularly texting while driving.
- Falling asleep at the wheel, especially during nighttime on highways and rural roads.
- Aggressive driving, including tailgating, not sharing the road, or changing lanes without warning.
Tips to stay safe on the road
Slow down and obey the posted speed limit: Speeding not only increases the severity of accidents but also reduces your reaction time. Sticking to the speed limit helps you maintain control of your vehicle and gives you more time to respond to unexpected situations.
Stay focused on driving, and don't text and drive: Distracted driving, especially texting while driving, is one of the leading causes of accidents. Keeping your attention on the road ensures that you're fully aware of your surroundings and can react quickly to any changes in traffic conditions.
Always drive sober and have a plan to get home safely: Impaired driving is a major cause of fatal accidents. If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver, use a ride-sharing service, or find another safe way to get home.
Share the road with other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians: Being mindful of others on the road reduces the risk of collisions. Always check your blind spots, use your turn signals, and give others enough space to maneuver safely.
Take a break if you feel tired while driving: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. If you're feeling tired, pull over to a safe location, take a short nap, or switch drivers to avoid the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
What to expect after a serious car accident in Nebraska
After getting injured in a car accident in Nebraska, one thing is almost certain – your case will likely be more complicated than you expect. Sometimes, the challenge lies with the driver who caused the crash. Other times, it's the at-fault driver's insurance company working hard to avoid paying you the compensation you deserve.
At Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O., our Omaha car accident attorneys are experienced in navigating these complex legal cases. We're here to help. For years, we've fought to secure the financial compensation that crash victims rightfully deserve. Our results speak for themselves, including a $1.855 million settlement for a client who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another party's negligence, our attorneys are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
We handle injury claims throughout Nebraska. We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
"Michelle and Jason make up an amazing, award-winning law firm." – Timothy and Dixie G.
