Advancements in technology have added numerous safety features to vehicles. Blind-spot monitors and cross-traffic alerts could help a driver avoid a collision on a Texas road. Conventional wisdom suggests that advancements in vehicle design decrease catastrophic and fatal accidents. While safer cars have value, they still have limitations, as shown by statistics on fatalities.
Safer cars and deadly accidents
Vehicle engineering led to many vehicle safety improvements, but statistics show increased motor vehicle fatalities. From 2011 to 2022. deaths involving pedestrians and bicyclists increased by 60%. One factor contributing to these figures would be the rise in popularity of pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans. These vehicles are larger than cars and have great blind spots, which increases the risk of accidents.
The reason for the increase in bicyclist and pedestrian deaths appears to correlate with the popularity of oversized vehicles. While people inside cars have minimal protection, pedestrians and bicyclists have none. If a vehicle hits someone not inside a car, the risk of severe injury increases exponentially.
Negligence and traffic deaths
Negligence frequently factors into many motor vehicle accidents. The more reckless a driver behaves, the greater the chances of fatal auto accidents. If someone is driving at an excessively unsafe speed, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting someone. Also, the increased speed further enhances the potential for catastrophic injuries.
If someone dies in a motor vehicle collision, survivors who have standing to bring a lawsuit may seek compensation and punitive damages. These plaintiffs might sue all parties who caused the collision. The amount awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit could be substantial.