Despite technological advances and strict laws, the number of highway fatalities continues to grow in New York State. A new study has ranked each state based on its number of traffic fatalities—and New York didn’t fare well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that in 2012, there were 33,561 highway fatalities nationwide. This is a 3 percent increase from 2011. Of those deaths, a total of 1,168 were the result of a New York car accident. This put our state as having the seventh highest traffic accident fatality total in the nation. An article from Pix 11 explains the six states with a higher fatality count were California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. To stay safe behind the wheel, try avoiding some of the most common behaviors that result in crashes, such as:
- Speeding- Figures show speed is a contributing factor in roughly one-third of all fatal accidents. Obeying the posted speed limit at all times will significantly reduce your chances of involvement in an accident.
- Drinking and Driving- This behavior plays a part in thousands of fatal car accidents each year and is avoidable by using a designated driver or cab to get home safely.
- Distracted Driving- Using cellphones and electronics while driving is one of the leading causes of serious accidents. Focusing on the road while driving helps save lives.