The Center for Disease Control states that more people between the ages of 5 and 34 die from vehicle accidents than they do from other causes. And many of these accidents tend to happen more in some states than others.
One would think that with stats like this, the states involved would establish more measures that will prevent more casualties and reduce the accident rates. Unfortunately, it would appear that the reverse is the case. So, which states consistently record a high number of accidents and fatalities?
Mississippi
With almost 800 fatalities every year, Mississippi holds the record for one of the states with the highest number of car related deaths in the country. This number comes to about 27 deaths for every 100,000 people resident in the state.
The major causes of these accidents in the state include the poor or lack of enforcement of booster seats for children who are 8 years and younger, rampant drunk driving, careless driving and DUI.
Alabama
Alabama records over 1000 fatalities every single year. That’s about 22 fatalities for every 100,000 residents in the state. It’s interesting that the state still records this significant number of accident related deaths in spite of their almost 92% seat belt usage.
However, this may be directly tied to the lack of important safety laws that are meant to guarantee the security and safety of road users in the state. Also, there’s no compulsory law mandating the use of ignition interlocks for drivers with a history of drunk driving and the use of booster seats for kids younger than 8.
South Carolina
The state of South Carolina has a vehicle-related accident rate that claims almost 950 lives every year. Its accident related fatalities are higher than 38 states in the country.
The major causes of these accidents are most likely because there are no laws prohibiting drivers previously convicted of being drunk while driving or drinking while driving from driving vehicles without using ignition interlocks.
There are also no laws about mandatory motorcycle helmets, or booster seats for kids 8 and under. There’s also no law against texting while driving. So, adults 18 and above are allowed to text while driving, while drivers younger than 18 were banned from doing the same.
With these lack of safety laws, it’s no wonder that there’s such a high number of accident related deaths in South Carolina.
Kentucky
As America’s 26th most populous state, Kentucky has consistently recorded accident related fatalities in excess of 770 individuals annually. That’s almost 19 deaths per 100,000 individuals every single year.
These alarming accident and fatality rates are probably due to the absence of laws prohibiting the non-use of helmets for motorcycle riders, as well as the careless attitude of a driver who drives under the influence. There’s also the lack of laws enforcing the usage of booster seats for children younger than 8 years old.
Arkansas
With approximately 620 people dying from accident related injuries, that’s at 22 deaths per 100,000 people in the state. These accidents were commonplace because of drivers exceeding the required speed limits and the number of DWI drivers in the city.
As part of reducing the number of accident-related deaths, the state’s Highway Safety Office is seriously clamping down on DWI drivers as well as trying to slow drivers down so they don’t over speed. There’s also increased emphasis on the use of seatbelts.
These are the top 5 states with the highest number of automobile deaths. If you were involved or have a loved one who was involved in an accident, you should get in touch with a personal injury attorney. Most offices, like Heil-Law, will offer a free consultation.
Author bio:
Oscar King is a freelance writer and family man who has interest in understanding his civil rights. He enjoys sharing his findings and tips with his readers so that they too can know their rights. If you would like to learn more about Oscar, check out his Google+ profile.
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