The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been administering road safety standards and assessing vehicle safety for decades. With the advancement of technology and innovation, vehicles should be safer to drive. However, car crash fatalities are higher than ever before.
Among all 50 states, California has the second-highest number of fatal car accidents, falling very closely behind Texas. Although the population rate and tourism can account for the larger figures, it still does not explain why fatal car accidents continue to rise.
Why do fatal car accidents continue to rise?
Newer cars may be safer than ever, but they are only safer for their drivers. Only drivers who can afford the comforts and security of these cars can enjoy their advantages. A newer and safer car does not prevent a driver from:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence
- Driving while distracted
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Failing to yield to vehicles and pedestrians
- Racing other vehicles
- Failing to account for blind spots
- Frequently and abruptly changing lanes
- Attempting to overtake other vehicles
Because the driver knows their car will protect them, they might drive more recklessly and carelessly. Furthermore, the number of brand-new SUVs on the road is also increasing because these are supposedly safer vehicles. SUVs are more massive and can cause more substantial damage to property and other road users.
It’s not the car’s fault
In any personal injury claim, determining the degree of fault is pivotal. When a car accident happens, it is rarely the car’s fault unless the manufacturer did not follow the established safety standards when developing the model. Often, you can only hold the driver accountable for their recklessness and negligence. A better car does not make a person a better driver.