Car accidents continue to occur at an alarming rate in Delaware and across the nation. This is why driver education events, like National Traffic Awareness Month, are more important than ever.
“National Traffic Awareness Month aims to shed light on the safety rules that can help prevent major or minor accidents from taking place,” according to National Today, which highlighted the importance of this monthlong event in August.
Car accident fatalities decrease but remain alarmingly high
First, the good news: Car accident fatalities nationwide decreased in both 2023 and 2022. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 40,990 deaths in 2023 and 42,544 in 2022.
Now for the bad news: While these numbers are lower, the car accident death tolls for 2022 and 2023 are still significantly higher than in previous years. To put this in perspective, 36,096 people died in car crashes in 2019.
Delaware car accident fatalities reach highest level in a decade
Car accidents in Delaware continue to occur at an alarming rate. According to the most recent NHTSA data, 162 people died in car crashes in Delaware in 2022.
This marks the highest car accident death toll in the state in at least a decade. The second-highest death toll was in 2021, with 136 fatalities.
Common causes of deadly car accidents in Delaware
Like many parts of the country, Delaware experiences car accidents for many of the same reasons:
Speeding drivers
In 2022, speeding was a major factor, contributing to 33.9 percent of all car accident fatalities in Delaware. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes, leading to more deadly outcomes.
Drunk drivers
Alcohol-impaired driving was responsible for 30.2 percent of the state’s fatal car crashes in 2022. Driving under the influence impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents.
Distracted drivers
Distractions, particularly texting while driving, are a growing problem. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a moment, the chances of a fatal crash increase significantly.
Drowsy drivers
Falling asleep at the wheel, especially on busy highways like I-95, can have devastating consequences. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, reducing reaction times and awareness.
Aggressive or reckless drivers
Drivers who refuse to share the road, whether by tailgating, weaving between lanes, or not yielding to other cars, trucks, motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians, contribute to a significant number of fatal accidents in Delaware.
Proactive steps drivers can take to prevent car accidents
Not all the news is bad—there are effective steps drivers can take to reduce the risk of car crashes. Key driver safety tips include:
Slow down
Reducing your speed is especially important on busy, congested highways. Slower speeds give you more time to react to sudden changes in traffic and help prevent accidents.
Put down your cell phone
Distracted driving, particularly texting, is a major cause of accidents. Keeping your attention on the road and avoiding distractions can significantly reduce the risk of collisions.
Maintain a safe following distance
Leaving enough space between your car and other vehicles is crucial. This buffer zone gives you time to stop or maneuver if the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes or swerves.
Don’t drive drunk
Alcohol impairs your ability to drive safely. If you’ve had too much to drink, arrange for a sober driver, use a ridesharing service, or find another safe way home to avoid dangerous situations.
Take a break if you’re tired
Drowsy driving is a serious hazard that can lead to accidents. If you feel fatigued while driving, pull over to a safe spot and rest before continuing your journey.
Get experienced legal help after a Delaware car accident
Delaware car accidents often become complicated legal battles. As your medical bills and other accident-related expenses pile up, many insurance companies would rather fight your claim than pay you the compensation you deserve.
That’s where our Delaware car accident lawyers at Gill, Welsh, and Chamberlain, P.A. come in. We believe taking advantage of crash victims is wrong, and we’re here to help you demand justice and accountability. Our legal team has spent years advocating for car accident injury victims, giving us a deep understanding of how the legal system works in Delaware.
Trust a law firm that puts your needs first. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a Delaware car accident attorney you can trust to protect your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you.
“Solid legal representation with skilled litigators in every office.” – I.R. (Five Stars)