Fatalities on Virginia Roads -2007

Don’t become a statistic. Consider these facts, and take action to keep yourself safe.

• Check your tires. The number one defect which contributed to fatalities on Virginia roads in 2007 was defects in the tires. Too many people do not pay attention to the tread on their tires. Considering that over two deaths per month on Virginia roads in 2007, it would be a good idea to periodically check your tires. Both under-inflation and over-inflation can cause a tire to lose its ability to grip the road as it was designed. Tires that are bald are dangerous and should be replaced. Any physical damage to the sidewall of the tire could contribute to causing an accident or worse. Pay attention to your tires and avoid becoming a just another statistic.
   
• Slow down. The amount of time that can be gained by speeding is negligible. You might that you’re making up lost time as you speed on the roads, but you are putting yourself needlessly at risk. The number one factor contributing to Virginia fatalities in 2007 was speed. Fully 13% of all deaths on Virginia roads were caused by excessive speed. 
   
• Stay in the right hand lane, and yield to other drivers. The second and third most common driver errors contributing to deaths on Virginia roads in 2007 were driving to the left of center line,and failing to yield. If you can drive in the right hand lane, do so. Let other cars pass and turn in front of yours. Stay safe.
   
• Don’t drive when you are tired. There were 38 deaths on Virginia roads in 2007 caused by drivers who were either fatigued, or asleep. Over three people per month died becase they should have been sleeping instead of driving. If your tired or sleepy, pull over and get some rest, your life may depend on it.
   
• Don’t drink and drive. Common sense. There were 82 deaths on Virginia roads in 2007 related to drinking and driving. If you must drink, do it at home and stay there. Use a designated driver, or call a taxi. It makes no sense to drink and drive.
   
• Slow down in bad weather. It was raining during 66 Virginia traffic accident fatalities in 2007. 
   
• Do not try to pass in a no passing zone. 19% of all Virginia vehicle fatalities occurred a driver was trying to pass another car in a no passing zone. 177 persons were killed as a result of someone who couldn’t wait, or thought the car in front was driving too slow.  No passing zones are there for a reason. Please obey the Virginia traffic laws and keep yourself and your family safe.

Source: 2007 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Related posts:

1. 2007 Virginia Car Accident Facts
2. Virginia Motorcycle Accident Fatalities increase 80%
3. Virginia Motorcycle Accident Facts
4. Top 5 Adult Driver Actions Contributing to Crashes
5. Fairfax County leads the State in Car Accident Deaths

Tags: Virginia car accident deaths, Virginia vehicle fatalities

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 17th, 2009 at 9:30 am and is filed under Blog, Library, Personal Injury. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.