With car accident deaths increasing, the state is seeking ways to keep people safe.
Last year, Massachusetts had more than 400 roadway fatalities—the highest number of deaths in the state in over a decade. Hoping to reverse the alarming trend in fatal highway car accidents, the Commonwealth is taking several steps to increase safety.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently released an advisory and listed the following actions to help improve roadway safety:
- Safe System Approach, which encourages safe roads, vehicles and speeds, safer road users, and post-crash care.
- Investment into bicycle-friendly roads, which includes building sidewalks and bicycle facilities, safe crossings, and more.
- Speed management policy, which includes opportunities for towns and cities to pursue funding for speed control measures.
- Establishing target speeds, which involves determining what the safe speed is for certain roadways.
Warm weather accidents in Massachusetts
As MassDOT notes in its advisory about road safety, more people are getting around on foot, bicycle, or using motorcycles during the summer months. Unfortunately, these are vulnerable road users because they lack crash protection. Remember, drivers and passengers in cars have seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features that pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists do not.
While anyone using the road should be cautious and aware of their surroundings, road safety begins with the operator of the vehicle. Drivers should understand factors that lead to serious car accidents that can cause injuries and deaths. Top causes of crashes include:
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit can lead to crashes involving pedestrians, people on bicycles, and other vulnerable road users. To avoid speeding, leave early so you have plenty of time to get to a destination. Slow down for poor weather conditions. Pay attention to road signs that show speed limits and warn of curves in the road, school zones, and construction zones, where cars must slow down.
- Distractions: According to the MassDOT advisory, eight people die each day in the United States due to distracted driving.
- Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol has long been a problem on the roads. After drinking alcohol, consider using a designated sober driver, calling a taxi, or using a ridesharing company.
- Reckless driving: Too often, drivers lose control of their emotions and drive recklessly. In other cases, they’re simply impatient. Give yourself time to get to a destination. If you’re angry or frustrated, try to calm yourself down and understand how emotions can affect driving and lead to an accident.
- Fatigued driving: Drivers who are feeling sleepy and at risk of falling asleep should pull over safely and rest. Consider finding an energy drink or caffeinated beverage if feeling fatigued.
What happens after a car accident in Massachusetts?
Unfortunately, crashes happen every day in Massachusetts. In many cases, someone is injured or loses their life through no fault of their own. They might be on a bicycle, motorcycle, or on foot. On the other hand, they might be driving a car or riding as a passenger when the accident happens because of another driver’s negligence.
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, get medical attention as soon as possible and follow the doctor’s orders.
Next, contact an experienced car accident attorney from our law firm to review your legal rights and options. Insurance companies are in the business of making profits. They may make a quick lowball offer to settle your case. They may even deny your claim and offer you nothing.
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone, we know all the tactics the insurance companies use to keep payments to a minimum. We fight aggressively for our clients to help them get the compensation they need after serious accidents.
To find out more about how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation. There are no obligations, and we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call or use the online contact form to get started today. Tell them you mean business!