Over the course of the last couple months, people throughout the United States have rejoiced at paying lower gas prices at the pump. While many may be grateful to have more money available to spend on other things, a study conducted regarding the impact of cheaper gasoline found that there is could be a downside as well. There appears to be a correlation between the amount of money paid for gas and the number of car accidents that occur.
In one state, following a drop in price of $2 per gallon correlated to:
- 35,000 more accidents resulting in property damage
- 5,000 additional crashes that resulted in injuries
- 150 more crashes that were fatal
Certain age groups were impacted more than others. Perhaps unsurprisingly, drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 saw a spike in crashes following a drop in the price of gas. In comparison, those between the ages of 25 and 34 seemed unfazed. One of the study’s researchers indicates that this is due to the fact that they are generally preoccupied with lives—starting families and establishing a career.
The good news is overall, the nation’s roads appear to be safer than they once were. Over the past 10 years, there has been a 25 percent drop in the number of fatalities that occurred on highways. Between 2012 and 2013 alone, the number of fatal crashes decreased by 3.1 percent.
Regardless of why an accident occurs, it is important that those who are hurt or lose loved ones in a crash understand that they may be able to take legal action connected to the harm that was inflicted. A lawyer can help to determine whether negligence on the part of another person may have contributed to the crash occurring.
