The number of lives lost in car accidents has been on the decline in recent years. It fell by 2% between 2017 and 2018, and then it fell by 2% again from 2018 to 2019. The full numbers for 2020 are not complete yet, and it will take a while for all of the data to be compiled even after the end of the year, but it will be interesting to see if this trend continues.
That said, it’s important to note that more than 38,000 people still lost their lives in these wrecks in 2019. While this is certainly a decline from the more than 40,000 in 2017, it’s still a concerning number that people should be more aware of when they go on the road.
Staying safe
Of course, just reading the raw statistics does not mean that everyone’s odds of getting into an accident are exactly the same and so we all face the same risks. There are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself safe, such as becoming a defensive driver, staying off of the road at high-traffic times, always staying sober and focused on the road, and obeying the speed limit.
Your options
There is no guarantee that you will not get involved in an accident, though, even if you do reduce the odds by driving safely. It’s up to the other drivers that you share the road with, as well. If they make mistakes, it could be you who gets hurt. Be sure you know what options you have to seek out financial compensation.