Even if you are careful, accidents can happen anytime. Unfortunately, far too often, these crashes involve fatalities. There are many reasons fatal collisions happen in Seattle, but the most common reason is driver error. This could include speeding, drinking while driving, texting while driving, or other types of negligence.
A lack of vehicle maintenance also causes some accidents. For example, brakes that failed because they weren’t maintained. Routine service and maintenance are essential for keeping any vehicle in good condition, such as a car, truck, SUV, etc. However, car problems can occur anytime and lead to a fatal collision.
Seattle Fatal and Serious Injury Statistics
The most recent data from the Washington Highway Safety Commission indicates that in one year alone, 256 fatal, catastrophic injury, and suspected severe injury crashes happened in Seattle, with 415 vehicles involved. A few of these incidents included the following:
Fatal crashes – 34
Crashes with possible serious injuries – 222
Fatalities – 34
Suspected serious injuries – 245
Collision related to alcohol – 38
Collision related to drugs – 22
Speed-related crashes – 49
Inattentive/distraction-related crashes – 63
Heavy truck-involved crashes – 18
Motorcycle-involved crashes – 26
Pedestrian-involved crashes – 87
Bicyclist-involved crashes – 32
As you can see, the rate of fatal crashes in Seattle is far too high, and this figure is rising yearly. The number of crashes in the city would decrease significantly if all drivers followed safety rules. However, this is unlikely, and even if everyone drives responsibly, there will still be some unavoidable accidents.
Anyone can lose their life if driver error, drunk driving, and irresponsibility on the road remain a problem. With these fatal accidents come loss, grief, and, often, lawsuits. In fatal accidents involving big rigs, you may need to call a Seattle truck accident lawyer – ZBH Law because there may be multiple at-fault parties.
Common Causes of Fatal Collisions in Seattle
By understanding the most common causes of fatal accidents in Seattle, you can better prepare yourself for potential fatal accident scenarios so you can know what to avoid. These are currently the most common causes of fatalities in traffic accidents in Seattle:
Speeding
Driving above the maximum speed limit or speeding is one of the most common causes of fatal collisions. In a moving vehicle, the driver is the one who is responsible for keeping the speed limit of the car within the legal limit. Drivers must also drive below the speed limit despite poor weather conditions. In Seattle, that means you need to slow down when it rains.
Distracted Driving
Any distraction can increase the risk of a fatal collision. Some vehicle distractions include talking to the phone while driving, eating, drinking, talking with the passenger, or changing the radio station. Distractions must be restricted or avoided to maintain the driver’s concentration and everyone’s safety while traveling.
Alcohol and Drug Driving
Driving under the influence (DUI) occurs when alcohol, drugs, or both intoxicate a person. Most fatal vehicle accidents in Seattle are caused by drunken drivers, who have accounted for 50 collisions in recent years.
Drinking impairs your capacity to concentrate and perform typically, which makes driving a car exceedingly risky. Drunk drivers typically speed, engage in other traffic infractions, and are distracted while operating a vehicle, all while having significantly impaired judgment and motor skills.
DUI offenders must be prosecuted legally and held liable for the severe injuries they inflict on innocent bystanders. If you are going to be drinking, appoint a designated driver or call an Uber. It’s simply not worth the risk of a fatal accident.
Aggressive or Reckless Driving
Driving in the middle of traffic or road construction in Seattle can be a hassle. People who drive aggressively frequently make obscene gestures, scream, tailgate, and engage in hostile behaviors.
Speeding, lane changes without signaling, unpredictable lane changes, and other risky driving habits are common among aggressive drivers. Many incidents occur due to drivers’ improper failure to yield the right-of-way.
Every driver must use the utmost caution when approaching intersections or performing turns. Other motorists may be taken aback by a driver who fails to yield responsibly, which can result in serious accidents.
Defective or Unmaintained Vehicles
Vehicle defects or poor maintenance are another frequent cause of collisions in Seattle. A serious vehicle accident might be caused by any of the hundreds of defective parts that make up a vehicle.
A driver, a mechanic, or a car manufacturer may all be responsible for an accident that results from faulty equipment. Sometimes, drivers must properly maintain their cars and carry out the necessary maintenance required for safe driving.
Tires, brakes, motors, and other auto parts might malfunction without prior notice, while in some cases, malfunctioning equipment is the fault of the vehicle’s manufacturer.
How to Avoid Deadly Collisions on Seattle’s Roads
To avoid becoming a part of these grim statistics (or causing a fatal collision yourself), it’s always important to follow the rules of the road and be a responsible driver. Adjust your speed for inclement weather, don’t get distracted, and be aware of your surroundings – especially what the other drivers around you are doing!
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