Alabama Among States with Highest Rate of Fatal Car Accidents

Alabama has obtained the dubious award of fifth most dangerous state for driving, according to a report from al.com, originally published on healthgrove.com. Between 2008 and 2014, Alabama averaged nearly 19 fatalities for every 100,000 residents. That works out to about 900 fatalities a year. The study was based on figures from the Health Indicators Warehouse (a website Developed by the National Center for Health Statistics) and the Center for Disease Control – Motor Vehicle Safety department. The study points to speed limits as one reason for discrepancies in fatalities. States with lower speed limits which are concentrated in the Northeast and West coast tended to have fewer fatalities. States in the Southeast and Great Plains tend to have higher speed limits and higher fatalities.

Tips to Avoid Making an Accident Even Worse

Before a driver ever even gets their license, there is a strict set of rules and expectations that are explained to them. Whether it be at the DMV, in a defensive driving course, or simply through life experience, the perils of driving recklessly are well-communicated to most people before they ever get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, some of these tips, tricks, and rules become an afterthought after several years of driving experience. One of the most dangerous things that a driver can possess is a sense of invincibility, and reckless driving is typically a product of someone who forgets how severely one mistake can change their entire life.

Understanding the Rules of the Road

One of the most obvious yet abused rules of the road is simple: do not, under any circumstances, drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol may get most of the attention in the conversation about DUIs, but there are many more substances that can impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle. Even painkillers, which are typically prescribed by a doctor, can markedly inhibit your driving capabilities.