Traffic accidents sometimes lead to fatal consequences. Awareness campaigns warning about the dangers of speeding or drunk driving on Maryland roads only do so much. Sometimes, despite the best efforts to change reckless behaviors, some drivers continue to put others at risk. 2020 was a terrible year for road accidents, and things only worsened in 2021.
Tragic statistics from 2021
Nearly 43,000 people lost their lives in traffic collisions in 2021, marking a 16-year high. The grim 2021 stats represent a 10.5% increase over 2020, another alarming figure. Granted, fewer people took to the roads in 2020 than in 2021, but the number of 2021 fatalities is shocking.
Also tragically notable were truck-involved fatalities reaching more than 5,600 deaths. Truck accidents tend to be worse than ones involving cars due to a large truck’s mass and weight. Often, the same reasons for car accidents contribute to truck crashes.
The causes of many crashes
Moving violations contribute to motor vehicle accidents every year, but there are some concerns about increased reckless behaviors in 2021. Fewer drivers traveling on roads during 2020 might have led some to take more chances. Such ingrained behaviors could become new bad habits for drivers, leading to more crashes in 2021.
For example, some might not only embrace speeding and unsafe lane changes, and they could allow themselves to become more distracted. Actions like these are unsuitable under any road conditions, and they reflect negligent behavior.
As for the aftermath of crashes, investigations may attempt to determine negligence when a driver’s actions cause death or serious injury. If the driver was at fault for the collision, they might face a personal injury suit seeking appropriate damages.
