Did you realize that over 90% of car accidents in San Diego stem from human error? While there’s no such thing as a “perfect” driver, it’s undeniable that each of us could enhance some aspect of our driving skills. Whether it’s improving observation, anticipation, reducing distractions, or simply learning the rules of the road, these efforts can significantly lower the chances of becoming another statistic on the roadway in 2014.

With extensive experience as a car accident lawyer in the region, I’m acutely aware that roughly 10 million individuals are involved in car accidents annually. According to the CDC, auto accidents remain the primary cause of death for teenagers. The stark reality is that car accidents cause needless injuries, fatalities, and immense grief every single year.

Speeding Emerges as a Significant Factor

The NHTSA highlights that speed contributes to about one-third of fatal crashes. Moreover, the NHTSA estimates that the annual societal cost of speeding-related crashes amounts to $40.4 billion.

In 2011, speeding played a role in 30% of all fatal crashes, resulting in the loss of 9,944 lives due to speeding-related accidents.

Distracted Driving Raises Alarms

Distracted driving, particularly cell phone use, can divert attention away from the road, posing risks to drivers, passengers, bystanders, and pedestrians alike.

In 2011, 3,331 fatalities occurred in crashes involving distracted driving, compared to 3,267 in 2010. Additionally, 387,000 individuals sustained injuries in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted driving in 2011, down from 416,000 in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As a personal injury attorney who has witnessed numerous injuries and fatalities in San Diego resulting from negligent driving, I urge you to prioritize keeping your focus on the road and eliminating distractions from the driver’s seat to ensure safer journeys throughout 2014.

Steven Elia