North Carolina is among the worst states for deadly car crashes, following behind Florida, Texas, California and Georgia. However, while the whole state is affected by issues of road safety, the city of Charlotte plays a major part in contributing to the danger – and it’s not just because of the weather. From drunk driving to speeding and even distractions, the importance and need for road safety in the city cannot be understated.The facts
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, a total of 1,412 deaths were reported in 2017 in North Carolina alone, illustrating an overwhelming need for safety improvements. Charlotte plays a major role in these statistics – in fact, the number of fatalities for the city saw an increase in 2017, making for an increase for the 3rd year in a row. With such accidents affecting the lives of many, it’s important to remember that not only the drivers are at risk, but pedestrians and cyclists too. However, the causes for these accidents may shed some light on how these figures can decrease in the future.
While many may be quick to attribute the cause of the number of crashes to the weather, the truth is that many could have been avoided. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around a third of North Carolina’s wrecks were alcohol-related (in 2017). However, this may not come as much of a surprise, considering the fact that drunk driving arrests have recently plummeted, seemingly due to lack of enforcement in Charlotte, creating dangerous situations for many on the road. Aside from alcohol-related accidents, other major factors in road accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and lack of seat belt use – all of which are preventable.
Doing your part
When it comes to preventing accidents and working to decrease the number of fatalities, there are several things that you can do to help make the road a safer place. For example, avoiding the possibilities of drunk driving can be done by drinking responsibly, designating a sober driver, and handing over your keys before you indulge in alcohol. Distracted driving can also be easily prevented by turning your phone onto safe driving mode, or by asking a passenger to take your calls or messages for you. Following the traffic laws and always wearing your seat belt can help to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the road as well – however, if you are ever in a traffic accident, there are some things you should keep in mind.
In the event that you find yourself directly affected by a car accident, especially through injury, chances are that you will be quite stressed out over what to do next. Seeking legal help from a firm that specializes in personal injury or traffic accident cases will not only reduce your stress surrounding the issue, but will also help you get the justice (and compensation) that you deserve. Lopez Law Group state that aggressive legal representation is necessary for victims of personal injury, and this will ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Finding a solution
The sheer amount of danger on Charlotte’s roads hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, the city is taking measures to help make the roads a safer place for drivers and pedestrians alike. One of the biggest changes implemented includes the program Vision Zero, which has a goal of completely eliminating fatal crashes in places like Charlotte, and plans to do so through educating the public and making change happen. Through such measures, the hope is to create a safer city for all, and reduce accidents and fatalities in the future.
Accidents and fatalities on the road are a significant problem in Charlotte, proving that action must be taken to ensure road safety. With that said, there are many things you can do to prevent an accident, such as minimizing your distractions, obeying the traffic laws, and avoiding driving if you’ve been drinking.