Tab Mitchell Automobile Accidents Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Local Accident Statistics

Monday, January 4, 2010 by Tab Mitchell

Accidents affect everyone. From the people in them to the loved ones that care for them. If you are ever in traffic in California you probably witnessed the aftermath of some pretty nasty accidents. Here are some statistics of collisions in California:

� According to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records system of the California Highway Patrol, 3,967 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions and 266,687 people were injured in 2007.
� In Santa Clara County specifically there were 88 fatal collisions and 7,301 injury collisions.
� More than half of both fatal and injury collisions in Santa Clara County were San Jose accident injuries, the third largest city in California.

� Car and truck accidents are not the only incidents that are measured, both bicycle and motorcycle statistics are recorded as well. In 2007, there were 587 bicycle involved collisions and 296 motorcycle involved collisions.

Don’t be another Statistic

Accidents happen but there are ways to prevent some of them. Here are some things you can do to avoid becoming another statistic:

Wear your seat belt.

Don’t drink and drive. Of the 7,301 injury collisions that occurred in Santa Clara County, 737 of them involve alcohol. Even though you may think you feel okay to drive, don’t! Plan ahead to get a designated driver or a taxi home no matter how short the distance.

Make sure your child seats are installed correctly. Check with your local police department about car seat checks. Many people install the child car seats incorrectly. When you have to change car seats or their position, ensure that they are checked by a safety expert.

Get your rest.

Don’t drive sleepy as many accidents occur because a driver fell asleep behind the wheel. If you are tired, make sure to pull over in a safe spot and rest until you are alert and awake to drive.

This article was provided to you courtesy of The Mitchell Law Firm, San Jose accident attorneys, 800-345-4LAW, 501 San Benito Street, 3rd Floor Hollister, CA 95023.

Posted at 15:26 PM

Topic: Automobile Accidents