Anyone who has driven in Boston knows that it can be challenging to get around. There is seemingly no rhyme or reason for the way the roads are laid out. Pedestrians often cross the street. Cyclists share the roads.
But here’s a pleasant surprise: A new report shows Boston to be one of the safest cities to drive in. SellMax, a company that sells cars, examined data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and found that Boston ranks only behind New York City.
What determines a safe driving city?
According to CBSNews.com, which reported on the findings, the ranking was based on three factors:
- Total fatalities
- Drunk driving fatalities
- Speeding fatalities
The study revealed that Boston ranked favorably in terms of overall road safety, with the second-lowest number of drunk driving deaths and the fifth-lowest number of speeding fatalities among the cities surveyed.
A Boston car accident lawyer attorney knows drunk driving and speeding are two of the top factors in crashes. While it’s certainly good news to know Boston is among the safest cities for driving, it’s also important for motorists to understand their responsibilities and do everything they can to reduce the risk of a crash.
Distracted driving is another main cause of accidents. Too often, drivers are looking at their phones or letting themselves be distracted behind the wheel. People should understand that there are many forms of distractions: talking to other passengers, blasting music, and eating while driving, to name a few.
How to stay safe behind the wheel
Drivers should always stay alert, sober, and focused. Too often, someone makes a reckless choice to get behind the wheel after drinking. They might decide that responding to a text message while operating a vehicle is worth the risk.
Unfortunately, such behavior can have tragic consequences. The driver might not notice a pedestrian or cyclist sharing the road. They might not see that a car has stopped or slowed down, which could result in a rear-end accident. Serious crashes can result in serious injuries or even death.
Does an accident victim need an attorney after a car accident?
A crash resulting in injuries or death can lead to a complex insurance claim. If you are injured, your life can change in an instant. You may be unable to work. You may need to spend time in a hospital and follow up with medical appointments. Medical costs can skyrocket. You may have to give up hobbies you once enjoyed. The injury can impact your relationships.
Insurance companies may respond by offering far less than your claim is worth. They may contact you and use anything you say against you to reduce or deny your claim. It’s important not to speak to the other driver’s insurance company after an accident. Tell them to talk to your attorney.
If you don’t have an attorney, consider reaching out to the Law Offices of Mark E. Salmone for a free consultation. Contact us today. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Our law firm handles car accident claims throughout Massachusetts, including in Boston.