Fatal Auto Accidents in Humboldt County
Humboldt Bay Fire Department (HBFD) recently released a statement on their Facebook page reporting that the county has automobile accident fatality rates that are twice the national average. Additionally, Humboldt County has nearly three times the fatal accidents compared to the rest of California. The county recorded a record number of accident deaths in 2017 – specifically, 25.26 fatalities per 100,000. Pursuant to statistics from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2013, the county’s per-capita auto fatality rate was higher than that of any state within the nation except for Montana.
Pedestrian Fatalities
Humboldt County also ranks extraordinarily high for pedestrian deaths caused by motor vehicles. In 2013, the pedestrian accident death rates were as follows:
- California: 1.83 pedestrian deaths for every 100,000 residents
- United States: 1.34 pedestrian deaths for every 100,000 people
That same year, Humboldt County’s pedestrian fatality rate was 4.44 per 100,000 residents.
Humboldt Bay Fire Wants the Numbers Down
The HBFD took the opportunity to remind motorists to “keep their head on a swivel” while driving. They reported that throughout 2020, their personnel had extricated more than 15 people from crashed vehicles within their jurisdiction alone. They provided some tips from the DMV for driving safely:
Use Your Turn Signal. Every time you intend to turn right or left, or are changing lanes, use your turn signal to let others out on the road know your intent.
Control Your Vehicle. While there is not a single correct way to steer a vehicle, a few methods are recommended by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Hand-to-Hand Steering
- Hand-Over-Hand Steering
- One Hand Steering–To be used while backing, turning, or operating vehicle controls only.
When is it Okay to Use the Horn? The vehicle’s horn should only be used when necessary in order to avoid a collision. It should not be used if you want the driver in front of you to drive faster or move over. The horn is also not intended to alert another driver that they made a mistake. Do not use the horn because you feel upset or angry.
Turn on Your Headlights. Use your headlights when you need to use your windshield wipers, and any time conditions limit your ability to see other vehicles. They may also be helpful on narrow or mountain roads under any weather conditions. They should always be engaged from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise. Follow all traffic signs that tell you to turn on your headlights.
Mobile Devices. Unless you are an adult and the device is hands-free, it is illegal in California to operate a cell phone to text, email, or otherwise be distracted by the device while driving. Even though hands-free devices are allowed (with the exception of minor drivers), all distractions should be minimized while operating a vehicle. Cell phones are a factor in too many auto accident fatalities, and this distraction is 100% preventable simply by stowing the device in the back seat, out of reach.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below provides information on wrongful death claims.
Eureka Wrongful Death Lawyer
Hello, and thanks for reading as we explore the Humboldt County fatal accident rate. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Eureka wrongful death lawyer. The number of deadly car accidents in the county is concerning. Nearly all automobile accidents are caused by driver negligence. If you have suffered personal injuries or the loss of a loved one in an accident caused by carelessness or recklessness, please do not hesitate to call our office for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. You can reach us at (800) 404-5400 or (530) 392-9400, or you may send your inquiry online.
Our injury lawyers have been assisting Eureka residents for close to four decades. Please review our client reviews at the sites linked below:
Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/asphalt-forest-road-trees-woods-1867667/
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