Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

February is the safest month for driving on roadways (with the exception of 2008) over the last 4 years according to a report by National Safety Council.

The month of February has seen slightly over a 31% decrease in motor vehicle crashes between 2007 and 2010, which is more than double all other months except January and March.

Boston drivers may find it curious since winter weather can be a leading cause of Massachusetts auto accidents during the winter months.

Deaths in motor vehicle accidents are down 4% in the months of January – November 2010 according to a report by the National Safety Council. The 2010 motor vehicle death count was reported at 31,740, down from 33,180 in 2009 during the same months. Fatal accidents are down 13 percent between 2008 and 2010.

Massachusetts only has a 4 month comparison as opposed to an 11 month comparison like most other states. Using the same four months to report data, Massachusetts recorded a 3 year low in motor vehicle deaths in 2010. The 2010 total was 77, down from 92 the previous year. This is a 16% decrease in motor vehicle deaths year-over-year.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 74% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in Massachusetts occurred in passenger cars. The remaining 26% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities occurred in SUVs (14%), pickup trucks (8%), and vans (4%).

Like most things, the NSC reports that estimated costs for motor vehicle deaths, injuries, and property damages have risen. The estimated cost for January-November 2010 is $216.5 billion. Reportedly this is a 12% increase over 2009. The costs include things like administrative expenses, property damage, wage and productivity losses, and medical expenses. Without legal help, those costs too often fall on the shoulders of injury victims.
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The National Safety Council reports about 1,500 fewer lives were lost on the nation’s roads during the first 11 months of last year.

Our Boston car accident lawyers have reported the impact the economic downturn has had on serious and fatal car accidents in Massachusetts and elsewhere in the nation. Fewer jobs has meant fewer cars on the roads during rush hour and less vacation travel. Those trends are reversing in about a dozen states, which saw slight increases in the number of fatal accidents last year as the nation climbs out of the Great Recession.

Through November 2010, a total of 31,740 fatal crashes were reported — a 4 percent reduction from the 33,180 reported during the same period of 2009. Figures for 2009 were 9 percent lower than 2008, while 2008 figures were 10 percent lower than 2007.

Massachusetts was one of the few states that could not provide all of its accident data for the first 11 months of the year. For the four months reported, fatal Massachusetts car accidents claimed 77 lives, compared to 92 lives in 2009 and 79 lives in 2008.

Of course, fatal accidents tell only a part of the story. About 3.1 million motorists were seriously injured in traffic accidents during the first 11 months of last year. The cost of accidents, including serious injury and death, was estimated at $216.5 billion.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released comprehensive information on safe winter driving amid what is becoming one of the toughest winters in recent memory.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers continue to urge you to stay off the roads whenever possible in bad weather. In cases where going out is unavoidable, please allow plenty of extra time to reach your destination. Telling someone where you are going and when you plan to arrive is also a good idea, as is traveling with a full tank of gas.

The government offers the following advice for safe winter driving in Massachusetts:

Car Maintenance

-Get a tuneup.

-Have vehicle hoses, belts and fluids checked.

-Have battery checked and/or replaced.

-Have cooling system checked.

-Fill windshield-wiper fluid with proper mixture and keep an extra bottle in trunk.

-Check wipers and defrosters.

-Inspect and replace worn tires.

Driving

-Practice winter driving during the day in an empty parking lot.

-Drive slowly.

-Brake carefully and steer into skids.

Winter Travel

-Check weather and road conditions.

-Give yourself plenty of time.

-Tell others of your planned route and intended arrival time.

-Travel with plenty of gas in the tank.

-Avoid hazardous travel conditions whenever possible.

Emergency Kit

-Broom, shovel and ice scraper
-Sand, kitty litter or other abrasive material for traction.

-Jumper cable, flashlight, warning devices tools.

-Blankets.

-Cell phone.

-Food water and necessary medications.

If Stranded

-Remain calm.

-Don’t overexert.

-Stay with your vehicle.

-Tie bright cloth to antenna or window.

-Run vehicle sparingly. Keep tailpipe clear. Beware carbon monoxide.

Protect your Family

-Wear your seat belt.

-Avoid distracted driving.

-Understand bulky winter clothing can impact fit of car seats and seat belts.
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Choosing a passenger vehicle is a matter of personal choice but Boston drivers should rank safety high on their list when deciding which kind of vehicle to drive. Our Boston car accident attorneys see the type of vehicle a motorist drives can frequently influence the severity of the injuries that occur as a result of a crash.

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System, used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a total of 45,435 vehicles involved in fatal crashes in 2009. Passenger cars accounted for 18,350 of the vehicles involved, or just over 40%, while light trucks accounted 17,902, slightly under 40 percent.

Massachusetts in 2009, reported a total of 441 vehicles involved in fatal crashes. Similar to national stats, just under 80% of vehicles involved were either passenger cars (49%) or light trucks (30.8%).

Rollover crashes are one of the most serious types of crashes mostly due to the fact that the chance of passengers being seriously or fatally injured is much higher. As was recently reported in Boston by the Boston Channel, two young adults were killed in a roll over crash. Though it is believed that speeding and driving under the influence both played a roll in the accident, the two victims were trapped and killed instantly when their vehicle was found upside down after hitting a tree.

Last year in the United States, FARS reported 16.4% of fatal rollover accidents involved a passenger car vehicle as opposed to 28.2% of light trucks that were involved in fatal roll over accidents. Massachusetts in 2009 reported a total of 55 vehicles involved in fatal rollover accidents.

Two major factors play a role in rollover accidents – you and your passenger vehicle. Use the following safety tips in order to reduce the chances of a rollover accident from happening:

-Choose your passenger vehicle wisely – vehicles with a high center of gravity have a tendency to flip over so research before you purchase.

-Avoid high speeds on curvy roads or making excessive lane changes.

-Awareness of road conditions is a necessity as rain, sleet, or fog can force a vehicle off the road in unfamiliar territory and could result in a rollover accident.

-Perform routine maintenance checks on your vehicle. Checking brakes, tires, and fluids keep the vehicle working properly.
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