Tennessee had more fatal car crashes in 2021 than in 2020, often caused by distracted driving or violations of traffic laws. Many people speed thinking that nothing will happen, but there are factors outside of their control that can take them by surprise.
Truck accidents
Because of the great difference in size and weight between 18-wheelers and standard cars, these are one of the most fatal types of car accidents. In the legal space, they’re typically called trucking accidents. When a large truck hits a car, the car often becomes totaled or sustains severe damage. The passengers of the car are likely to have serious injuries as well.
Motorcycle accidents
Similarly, motorcycle accidents are frequently fatal for the motorcyclist because of the difference in size, weight and protection of their motorcycle compared to a standard car. Another contributing factor is drivers aren’t in the habit of checking for motorcycles, making it more likely that they won’t notice them there until it’s too late.
Head-on collisions
Ten percent of fatalities from car accidents are head-on collisions, yet head-on collisions are only 2% of car accidents. They have a high fatality rate because a lot of kinetic energy transfers to both drivers.
Avoiding fatal car accidents
You can reduce your chance of getting into a fatal car accident by always staying aware of the road and following driving laws. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of car accidents. Talking to passengers in the car, eating and drinking and changing the radio station all count as distracted driving.
A fatal car accident could happen to anyone. Having awareness of what the most fatal car accidents are will help you stay safer on the road. Follow the driving safety tips you learn about to keep yourself and others safe.