Every Alabama resident knows that a motor vehicle accident can happen at any time. However, most people don’t really ever think it will happen to them – until it does. That is a common sentiment heard by law enforcement and other emergency responders when helping people after a crash. Sadly, this year in Alabama has seen more people lose their lives in traffic accidents which also means more people are mourning the loss of their loved ones.
According to reports, between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, 2015, there were a total of 431 vehicular fatalities in Alabama. Over the same time this year, there have been a total of 559 deaths. That increase is attributed to a variety of factors including a lack of proper use of seat belts. Out of the 559 fatalities in 2016, lack of seat belt use was noted in 234 cases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that women may be more apt to use restraints than men and so too are people 35 years of age and older more likely than their younger counterparts.
In addition to not wearing seat belts, drunk driving, distracted driving and speeding have been identified as contributors in many of the fatal accidents in Alabama so far this year. Law enforcement teams in the state are encouraging more people to increase use of seat belts and be more aware of safe driving habits.
Anyone who is injured in a car crash or who loses a loved one due to the negligence of another person may want to talk with an attorney. Learning how to seek compensation after these incidents is important.
Source: The Lafayette Sun, “Increased Alabama Traffic Fatalities Linked to Not Using Seat Belts,” Nov. 18, 2016
