Have you ever driven by a car accident and wondered: how on earth did that happen? Well, The Auto Insurance Center, an insurance news and information site, wondered just that. The AIC compiled information from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatal Accident Reporting System over the last few years to find out just what causes those fatal car crashes in each state.
Any Louisiana resident will tell you that our roads are far from the best and that the frequent rainstorms can make seeing more than 10 feet in front of your vehicle nearly impossible but that’s not what causes most fatal car crashes in Louisiana. Louisiana is the only state in which, the NHTSA reported the number one cause of fatal auto accidents as ‘operating without proper equipment’.
What falls under ‘operating without proper equipment’? Great question! The NHTSA describes this category as “covering infractions such as driving with bad breaks, not using a seatbelt, or riding a motorcycle without a helmet.”
So, what’s the best way to avoid being fatally injured in a car accident in Louisiana?
Ensure that you are driving with the proper working equipment. Be sure to get your breaks checked regularly, always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car and, if you’re going to be on a motorcycle then helmets are a must. Of course, none of these precautions can prevent an auto accident altogether but they can certainly help keep you safe when one occurs.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident caused by the fault of another in the Baton Rouge or New Orleans area, call our experienced personal injury attorneys today. Our Louisiana injury lawyers offer free consultations so you can review your legal options after a car accident at no charge.