Since auto accidents are so common in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C., legislators and law enforcement are constantly trying to formulate strategies to enhance road safety. Research is a fundamental part of knowing what the problems are and trying to fix them. While driver behavior is a known challenge and the weather can be troublesome, one understated issue that can reduce the number of crashes is having effective traffic laws. For this area, there were differences in the types of laws that are in place. This could be having an impact on the number of collisions that are occurring.
Study says Virginia traffic laws are worse than in D.C. and Maryland
According to Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, there was a 20% spike in fatal accidents across the United States from January through June in 2021. This is the worst increase since statistics have been kept. Its report card assessed these accidents, looked at the data and went state-by-state to examine road safety laws. Virginia was found to be one of 11 that did not have a good history in implementing and enforcing safety laws.
For 2019, there were more than 800 road deaths in Virginia. When comparing that to Washington D.C. – where traffic laws are considered among the nation’s best – there were 23 road deaths. Maryland had more than 500 fatalities. Its laws are categorized as tougher than Virginia’s. Among the catalysts for auto accidents were inexperienced drivers, distracted driving and failing to take the most fundamental of safety steps by wearing a seatbelt.
Investigation is key
When a person heads out on the road in any capacity whether it is as a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian, there is a chance they will be in an auto accident. As this information shows, there are outside factors that can be critical in how the collision happened. A failure to follow the law is an ongoing problem. Since these incidents can cause personal, financial and emotional damage, it is wise to know how to move forward in the aftermath. To look at the situation and decide what should be done, those who have been injured or lost a loved one should be aware of their rights and seek guidance with how to move forward.