Sadly, many of the fatal car accidents on Louisiana roads could have been avoided had drivers not engaged in dangerous and reckless driving behaviors. During 2017, 767 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana. This number is slightly higher than the 757 people who died on LA roads in 2016 and the 752 people who died in car crashes during 2015.
Unfortunately, even with the increased educational programs and law enforcement efforts to deter drivers from engaging in reckless driving behaviors, the number of people killed in Louisiana car accidents continues to increase each year. Below are four of the dangerous driving behaviors that can lead to a deadly car crash.
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Speeding
Speeding is a reckless and dangerous driving behavior that claimed the lives of 10,111 people in 2016. Speed-related traffic fatalities increased by four percent from 2015 to 2016. In addition to the fatalities, thousands of people are injured each year in speed-related traffic crashes. When you exceed safe speed limits, your reaction time is considerably reduced, thereby reducing your ability to avoid a collision. In addition, the faster your car is traveling, the longer it takes for the vehicle to stop if you encounter a pedestrian, traffic congestion, or a bicyclist.
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Drunk Driving
Driving while impaired or driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in all 50 states where the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 or above. In Louisiana, you can also be charged with DUI if your ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by alcohol even though your BAC is under .08. During 2016, 28 percent (10,497 people) of the traffic fatalities involved a drunk driver. In Louisiana, roughly 35 percent of the traffic fatalities in 2016 involved a driver who had some alcohol in his or her system at the time of the crash.
Drunk driving fatalities are 100 percent preventable because drivers choose to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol. It is always best to find an alternate means of transportation if you have had any alcohol to drink.
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Distracted Driving
Distracted driving accidents claimed the lives of 3,450 people during 2016. Even with the increased effort to educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving, many drivers continue to engage in dangerous behaviors while driving, including texting, grooming, reading, eating, adjusting controls, and using electronic devices. You can reduce your risk of being involved in a distracted driving accident by putting down your cell phone and avoiding other distractions while driving.
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Drowsy Driving
On average, drowsy driving accidents claim the lives of 824 people each year on our nation’s roads. In addition, thousands of people are injured each year in fatigue-related traffic accidents. When a driver is drowsy or tired, the driver’s vision, concentration, reaction time, and cognitive functions can be impaired. In some cases, drivers can become more aggressive and experience road rage when they are tired. Truck drivers, students, night shift workers, and swing shift workers are often at a higher risk of drowsy driving. It is always best to use an alternative form of transportation if you have not had sufficient sleep or you are overly tired or exhausted.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Louisiana
When someone dies in a car accident, the family may have a wrongful death claim against the driver who caused the accident. If you have lost a loved one in a car crash, contact our office for a free consultation with a New Orleans wrongful death attorney.
Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free appointment with a New Orleans wrongful death attorney.