For anyone who feels like they are taking their life in their hands when they hit the road, they have good reason to be nervous. In just the first nine and a half months of 2024, there have been over 448 road fatalities here in the Free State. The crash data in Maryland is disturbing.

Numbers Worth Knowing 

In addition to fatality numbers, there are other statistics that will make your hair stand on end! This data is based on the 2023 calendar year:

• Over the course of the year, 577 people were killed.
• In over 110,000 collisions, about 82,000 people experienced injuries.
• 15 people were killed while riding their bikes.
• There were over 1,300 collisions involving motorcycles, resulting in 80 fatalities.
• After nearly 2,900 pedestrians were involved in crashes, 153 people were killed.

Reducing the Risk for Common Accidents 

Some types of crashes occur more often than others.  What can motorists do to avoid being in a dangerous—maybe even fatal collision? In addition to minimizing distractions, staying off the road when drowsy or using mind-altering substances, and driving at posted speed limits, there are things you can do to reduce the chance of causing an accident:

• Rear-end collisions: Avoid this type of accident by maintaining a safe distance when in traffic.
• Intersection crashes: Pay scrupulous attention to cross traffic when entering an intersection. Do not press your luck by zipping through a yellow light, and carefully look out for motorists making left turns.
• Side-swipe accidents: Give yourself plenty of room in heavy traffic, particularly when changing lanes or entering the highway, and exercise extra care during severe weather.
• Head-on collisions: Do not attempt to pass on a double yellow line. Additionally, drive with care in unfamiliar areas, paying exacting attention to signs designating one-way roads.
• Roll-over incidents: avoid high speeds, particularly when approaching intersections.

What About Other Drivers? 

Say you are among the most cautious of drivers.  You pay attention to signs and speed limits, you never roll through stop signs, you and you certainly never use your phone when behind the wheel.  As alert as you may be, there is always the possibility that another driver is not quite so careful. While it’s true that buckling up can mitigate the chances of serious injury, even that can’t completely protect you from tragic outcomes.  In the event you or a loved one are the victim of a reckless or negligent driver, you may wish to consider a personal injury lawsuit.

A Degree of Justice 

While litigation cannot obliterate the emotional or the physical pain of an accident, it can certainly recoup desperately needed money to assist with medical bills, lost wages, and more. To discuss the possibilities, schedule a confidential consultation with the knowledgeable and efficient Baltimore personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes today.

Source:

zerodeathsmd.gov/resources/crashdata/