Crash Data Sheds Light On Baltimore Car Accident Risks
Understanding why and where car accidents in Baltimore happen can help save lives. Crash data from the Maryland Department of Transportation sheds light on troubling trends in Baltimore County, which are important for anyone driving in or around the area to be aware of.
Our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers provide trusted, local legal representation to crash victims and their loved ones and fight to get the compensation they need to recover in the aftermath. We explain more about the risks and steps you can take to protect yourself and your passengers.
Dangerous Driving Behaviors That Increase Car Accident Injury Risks In Baltimore
The Maryland Department of State Police reports that an average of 20,000 car accidents in Baltimore happen each year, representing 20 percent of all crashes in the state.
Zero Deaths Maryland, operated by the Maryland Highway Safety Office, collects data on these crashes and has identified dangerous driving behaviors that are often responsible. Common factors in Baltimore County car accidents are:
- Aggressive driving: This includes improper passing, tailgating other drivers, failing to yield, and incidents of road rage. Over 100 traffic citations for aggressive driving are issued to Baltimore area drivers annually.
- Distracted driving: Zero Deaths Maryland reports that talking on cell phones, texting, and other types of distracted driving are responsible for nearly 50 percent of all fatal crashes in Baltimore County and over 40 percent of all serious injuries.
- Impaired driving: This continues to be a common cause of crashes throughout Maryland. In Baltimore County alone, close to 2,000 drivers are cited for DUI each year.
- Speeding: Going over posted limits or too fast for conditions is responsible for roughly 15 percent of all fatal crashes throughout the state and close to 30 percent of all car accident injuries.
How To Protect Against Baltimore Car Accidents
Even if you pride yourself on being a safe driver and obeying all traffic rules and regulations, you can’t control the behavior of others on the road.
Aggressive driving, distracted driving, speeding, and driving while impaired are common causes of Baltimore car accidents and can leave you and your passengers with injuries that can be debilitating. These tips from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration can reduce the risks:
- Use seat belts at all times and insist on them for passengers.
- Give yourself enough time to reach your destination and avoid speeding.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
- Be alert for unexpected or dangerous behavior on the part of other motorists, particularly in heavy traffic or near road construction zones.
- Avoid engaging with aggressive drivers.
- Refrain from driving if you have been drinking, taking illegal drugs, or even certain medications.
When Injuries Happen, Our Experienced Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help
Car accidents in Baltimore often occur due to the dangerous behavior of other drivers. When a crash happens, Maryland Injury Lawyers helps you hold those at fault liable for your injuries. To schedule a consultation with our experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers, reach out to our office today.
Sources:
mdsp.maryland.gov/Pages/Dashboards/CrashDataDownload.aspx
zerodeathsmd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FY2024_Baltimore-County_PID_Final
mva.maryland.gov/safety/Pages/older/tips-for-safe-driving.aspx
