Motor Vehicle Accidents in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton car accident lawyer. In California, there are over 24 million licensed drivers in the state in 2017, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The high number of drivers means that the incidence of motor vehicle accidents is greater. Learning how to improve the odds of being an accident victim is important.
Stockton and San Joaquin County Crash Statistics
In 2016, 4,138 accidents happened around San Joaquin County with over 34 percent of the crashes happening along the nearby highways. The County Coroner for Stockton reported 69 accidental deaths because of motor vehicle accidents in the city in 2016. Twenty-four people died in traffic collisions with another motor vehicle, 16 were in accidents with immovable objects and eight fatalities were caused when a vehicle experienced a rollover. Seven fatalities occurred when a motor vehicle collided with a pickup. Six deaths resulted from a motor vehicle crashing with a big rig. A total of 129 individuals died in auto accidents around the county.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving was a major factor in motor vehicle fatalities around San Joaquin County in 2016. Alcohol was found to be a factor in almost 38 percent of car accident fatalities around the county. In 31 percent of the fatalities, the decedent was found to be driving drunk, with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.08 percent. This is an increase of 7.3 percent over 2015. Drinking and driving, besides being illegal, causes accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another major cause of accidents. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported 3,477 deaths nationwide from accidents attributed to distracted driving in 2015. Distracted driving can include cell phone use, eating or drinking while driving and other causes. Leaving the cell phone at home and changing radio stations ahead of time can help a driver avoid driving while distracted.
Reckless Driving
Speeding and other acts of reckless driving such as running a red light or making an illegal turn causes accidents. Keep in mind also that the higher the speed a vehicle is moving when a crash occurs, the higher the risk of serious injuries or death in an accident.
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Tailgating, cutting off another vehicle, making an unsafe lane change, not signaling and other behaviors indicate aggressive driving. Actions of this type endanger the driver and others on the road. Ways to avoid aggressive drivers include remaining calm, avoiding eye contact with others on the road and avoiding an escalation of a situation. If a driver is being targeted by an aggressive driver, take down the license plate number, description of the vehicle and location, and report it to the police.
Drowsy Driving
Driver fatigue can cause delayed reaction times in an emergency. Drivers who are drowsy can drift into another lane or even fall asleep behind the wheel. Getting adequate rest and recognizing the signs of drowsy driving can help prevent an accident.
Vehicle Maintenance
Neglected vehicle maintenance can consist of worn tires, bad brakes or a host of other problems. Properly maintaining a vehicle can help avoid crashes due to blowouts, brake failure and the like.
Weather Conditions
Fog, ice, snow and rainy weather changes the way a driver should operate a vehicle. Using extra caution such as leaving more space between your vehicle and the one in front of you can help avoid crashes.
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Stockton Car Accident & Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton car accident lawyer. Motor vehicle accidents can result in serious injuries or a wrongful death when caused by another’s negligent actions. If you or your loved one has been a victim of a negligent driver, call me at (209) 227-1931 for friendly and free advice. Outside the Stockton area, phone (800) 303-5400.
It has been my privilege to have served residents of Stockton and Northern California as an injury lawyer since 1982. In that time, I have successfully handled numerous cases of traumatic injury and wrongful death.
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