People who take to the roads in Virginia have reason to be concerned about safety. With the number of drivers who are being reckless and violating the law, accidents are common. With that comes the chance of severe injuries and loss of life. This can impact everyone whether they are drivers, passengers, bicyclists or pedestrians.
Although law enforcement and regulatory agencies are aware of the potential for accidents and are taking steps to reduce their frequency, the statistics are getting worse. Because auto accidents can cause so many problems, it is imperative to know what steps to take after the collision has happened.
Road fatality statistics for Virginia are the worst in 14 years
In 2021, fatal auto accidents in Virginia were at their highest level since 2007. This information – from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles – is stoking worry as to why it is happening. Two of the primary causes are believed to be drivers who exceed the speed limit and drive while distracted.
The commonwealth saw a rise of slightly more than 14% in fatal accidents in 2021 compared with 2020. A total of 968 people lost their lives. This was the most since 2007 when there were 1,026 fatal accidents.
The most recent numbers for 2022 are also problematic. At last count, there were 245 road deaths. This was a 12% spike from the same time in 2021. The accidents are believed to be more severe because drivers are traveling at greater speeds. Drivers are being entreated to take safety seriously, but this advice is being roundly ignored if the statistics are to be believed.
This is a nationwide challenge. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were more than 31,000 road fatalities through September of 2021 – the latest comprehensive statistics. This was 12% worse than in 2020. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable.
Knowing what to do after an auto accident may require experienced advice
No one is expecting to be involved in an auto accident when they take to the road. Even if they are taking all of the necessary precautions and following the rules for safety, another driver might not be so vigilant.
A distracted driver who is simply not watching where they are going could run a red light or stop sign, collide with the law-abiding driver and cause catastrophic injuries and death. When people are unexpectedly injured or lose a loved one, there are likely to be financial, personal and emotional ramifications.
To avoid mistakes and know what options are available, it is imperative to have experienced advice to determine the right path forward.
