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Speeding, distracted driving top causes for car accidents

When tragic incidents occur to Pottsville residents, there is often a variety of factors that lead to the incident. In a car crash, for example, there are multiple factors that can cause a crash, which often overlap in a single accident.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, poor driver performance is to blame in the majority of car accidents. The Department of Transportation collects statistics regarding car crashes, which demonstrate this point.

For instance, over 9,600 crashes were caused by drunk driving in 2014, including 188 fatal accidents. There were 12,182 crashes caused by improper turning, with 72 of those crashes being fatal.

The statistics also provide proof that distracted driving is indeed a rising contributor to car accidents. In 2014, 13,964 accidents in the State were caused by distracted driving, including 49 fatal collisions. Another 2,567 accidents were caused by drowsy drivers.

Ultimately, however, speed-related crashes continue to be at the top of the list, with over 32,000 accidents being caused by speed-related factors. More fatal crashes were caused by speed-related crashes as well, with 434 fatal accidents being recorded.

While there is a wide variety of driver error that can be the cause of a crash, those injured in any of these incidents may have a legal cause of action they can bring to hold the negligent driver accountable. Drunk driving, speeding, drowsy driving, distracted driving and other errors can all support a finding of liability in the negligence case, which means the negligent driver can be ordered to pay compensation to those injured.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, “2014 Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics,” accessed on Oct. 24, 2015