Nebraska drivers may be interested in a study conducted by the Auto Insurance Center that examined the fatality rates of different road hazards across all 50 states. The data was taken from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatal Accident Reporting System from the period between 2009 and 2013. Once analyzed, the Auto Insurance Center explored the top five states with the fewest fatalities as well as the top five states with the most fatalities in each category.
As in most states, the most common cause of fatal accidents in Nebraska was the failure to stay in the correct lane. The second most common cause of fatal accidents in seven states was the failure to yield the right-of-way to another vehicle. All fatalities examined in the study included drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
While some hazards were prevalent across all states, some showed a regional bias. For example, drunk driving fatalities were significantly more prevalent in rural areas. Fatalities resulting from speeding were also more likely to occur in rural areas with less traffic congestion to slow down speeding vehicles. Inclement weather such as rain, sleet, snow and crosswinds also varied as risk factors from state to state. Snow was the biggest threat to drivers in the Midwest, while rain was more likely to cause fatalities in the rest of the country.
Motor vehicle accidents resulting from the actions of a negligent driver may entitle the injured victim to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. From economic losses, such as lost wages due to time off from work, to noneconomic losses, such as the pain and suffering associated with trauma and injury, a personal injury attorney may be able to help recover a variety of damages. Reckless drivers are often liable for compensation for damages such as medical expenses and transportation costs.
Source: Business Insider, “This map shows what causes the most fatal car crashes in each US state,” Matthew Speiser, May 28, 2015
