Auto accidents and road safety are common concerns in Indiana and across the United States. While legislators, law enforcement and drivers themselves need to do their part to avoid crashes, injuries and fatalities, there is always room for improvement. Toward that end, keeping track of research can be beneficial. A recent report split states into three categories with red representing states with major problems; yellow states needing to address certain deficits; and green states have good laws. Indiana was placed in the yellow category. Knowing the risks and taking preventative steps can help to avoid collisions. Still, when there is an accident, those who were hurt or lost a loved one should know their rights.
Group details how Indiana can make its roads safer
The report from the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety was released amid fears of the spike in nationwide fatalities in 2021. While the final numbers have not yet been tallied, the first six months of the year saw a 20% rise from 2020. It was also the largest increase since statistics have been kept. Concerns include driver behaviors like distracted driving, recklessness, drivers who are under the influence and teen drivers. Other factors that it tries to emphasize are simple safety steps like motorcyclists being required to wear helmets, seatbelt laws and child passenger safety.
Researchers found that Indiana has many good laws aimed at safety. It would be shifted from the yellow category to the green category if it went further. Some of the suggestions include an all-helmet law for motorcyclists and graduated driver’s license laws for new drivers. With graduated driver’s licenses, the goal is to set limits and rules before teens can get their full license. This could avoid accidents that happen due to inexperience and a lack of understanding of the dangers that arise without warning.
People should prepare for the litany of challenges that arise after an auto accident
When there is a motor vehicle accident, it can upend a person’s life and future. In the worst-case scenario, there can be a fatality. Medical expenses, the inability to work and the inevitable long-term problems might come about. It is essential to be aware of how to proceed. The circumstances of the accident must be scrutinized with the gathering of evidence. If, for example, the accident happened because of a distracted driver, this could be vital. From the start, it is useful to have advice. Discussing the situation with experienced people can help.