Auto Accidents
Approximately 1.2 million die each year nationwide in traffic crashes. The World Health Organization predicts a 65% increase in automobile fatalities by 2020. When we look at the most common causes for auto accidents, we see that the average motorists’ primary hazards are the drivers themselves.
Distracted driving
Even talking on cell phones with a hands free device can be distracting for the driver. Texting or checking Email while driving has become a dangerous habit. It is illegal to use any wireless communication device to read, compose, or send an electronic message while driving in Minnesota.
Other distractions and common diversions that can pull the drivers attention away from the road:
- Changing the radio
- Eating
- Shaving
- Applying make-up
- Reading newspapers or maps
- Passenger distractions
- Looking at scenery
- Rubbernecking
Driving under the influence
It is estimated that in 2008, over 11,000 people died because of drunk driving incidents. According to estimates, one person dies every 30 minutes from an alcohol related automobile collision. In 2003, impaired drivers accounted for 30% of weekday and 53% of weekend auto fatalities nationwide.
Aggressive driving
Dangerous driving habits that contribute to auto collisions:
- Tailgating
- Frequent and unsafe lane changes
- Excessive honking
- Not allowing others to merge
Aggressive driving is more prevalent in urban areas, where traffic congestion and the proximity to other aggressive drivers tends to contribute to this risky behavior.
Hazelton Law Firm accepts clients from cities and counties from across northern Minnesota, including: Roseau, Baudette, Warroad, Red Lake Falls, Thief River Falls, Fosston, Bagley, International Falls, Little Fork, Virginia, Hibbing, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, Detroit Lakes, Pelican Rapids, Wadena and the counties of Lake of the Woods, Pennington, Clearwater, Koochichina, Istasca, Beltrami, Cass, Hubbard, Polk, and Norman.