Aggressive Driving: One of the Main Causes of Vehicle Accidents in Los Angeles

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Vehicle accidents still remain to be one of the depressing problems in U.S. roadways today.  Statistics show that of the 32,367 people killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2011, some 21,253 of them were occupants of passenger cars and light trucks.

Moreover, the total fatalities in the State of California saw a 2.6 percent increase from 2010 to 2011. Some 2,720 were killed in 2010; whereas, a total of 2,791 individuals were killed the year after. The said figures only prove that vehicle accidents still needed to be addressed not only within the state, but also in the whole country as well.

One of the most typical reasons why these mishaps happen almost every day is due to drivers’ aggression while on the road. Basically, aggressive driving is any inappropriate behavior while behind the wheel that can cause an accident.

According to the Foundation for Traffic Safety of the American Automobile Association (AAA), around 56 percent of deadly crashes in the U.S. were caused by certain behaviors that are related to aggressive driving, which are the following:

•    Excessive speeding;
•    Disregard of traffic rules and regulations; and
•    Careless driving.

As it is, driving is a skill that requires two things: patience and safety. One should not be in a hurry to get to a certain destination. Moreover, without proper training and safety, driving could be a dangerous activity that could seriously injure a driver or other motorists using the road.

The lack of patience and safety in driving is what constitutes aggressive driving. Usually, it is linked to moods such as impatience, annoyance, and hostility towards someone or something. These would rub off on his or her driving, which could result in a serious or fatal accident.

Below are some of the driving-related actions that are considered aggressive driving:

•    Frequent changing of lanes
•    Frequently changing the speed of the vehicle
•    Failure to observe the right-of-way
•    Failure to use the car’s signal while making a turn

Meanwhile, a person who gets injured in a vehicle accident because of another person’s aggressive driving can obtain compensation from the damages he or she suffered. To determine the cost of damages and how much he or she is entitled to receive, he or she must seek the help of a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

Putting a Stop to Accident-induced Shock

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As the old adage goes, accidents happen. This happens in times or places that we least expect them. This is the reason why most of the time it is hard to avoid them. However, you can do anything and everything you can to avoid them.

Accidents can cause extreme shock that brings injuries to the victims. When they happen though it is important that you know what you should do.

Here are some of the things that you can do to get rid, or minimize shock after a car crash:

•    Breathe. Try to slow down your breathing. After a crash, there’s a great chance for one to hyperventilate. Hyperventilation can make you pass out. If you feel like you’re about to lose consciousness, lean your head down between your legs.
•    Drink lots of water. Stress hormones can produce toxins inside the body. Adequate fluid intake flushes these toxins out of the body.
•    Stretch out. This will relax your muscles that might get stiff due to excessive stress.
•    Take supplements. Calcium and magnesium supplements, when taken together, relax the muscles and calm your mind.
•    Let it out. Talk to a friend about what happened to you. This can help ease up emotional stress.
•    Rest. Take extra rest during the night. The more sleep you get, the more relaxing it will be for you.
•  Eat the right food. A light meal after the crash can bring your sugar levels back to normal. Recommended foods to take are bananas, yogurt, and a piece of bread.
•   Seek medical attention. No matter how light your injuries are, having your body checked up will let you know if you sustained injuries.

Following these simple tips can help you recover from the traumatic experience you’ve just been subjected to. After you have recovered though, submit yourself to the investigation that will be conducted by the authorities. You may then file a case so you can receive damages for whatever injuries you may have sustained.  A good Los Angeles car accident attorney can help ensure your victory in the case that you may have filed. Then, you can truly recover from the accident that you have been into.

Wearing Seat Belt Only Takes 2 Seconds: Buckle up for Your Safety

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According to an article by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), wearing seat belt only takes roughly two seconds to do; hence, drivers and passengers have no excuse not to buckle up. In the State of California, adult vehicle occupants who fail to restrain themselves using seat belt and/or shoulder harness may be fined with no less than $142.00.

Since 2005, the California government has implemented “Click It or Ticket,” a program that aims to require all drivers to wear seat belt for their safety. Since it was implemented, seat belt use rate has increased significantly – from 92.5 percent in 2005 to 96.2 percent in 2010, which was in fact a record high.

Additionally, the said traffic safety program involves disciplining California drivers who do not wear seat belt or properly restrain children inside their vehicle. The minimum fine for adults who do not use seat belt is $142.00 and up. Meanwhile, the minimum fine for parents or adults who do not restrain passengers under the age of 16 is $445.00.

“Click It or Ticket” is a program well-supported by various government agencies including Business Transportation and Housing Agency (BTH), California Highway Patrol (CHP), OTS, Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Despite the benefits of using seat belt, Los Angeles drivers must still recognize the certain dangers of the road. Drivers must remember that wearing seat belt does not exempt them from accidents. The following are the common causes of major and fatal car accidents in California:

•    Intoxicated drivers
•    Distracted drivers (drivers who eat, talk on the phone, or text while driving)
•    Speeding drivers
•    Wrong-way drivers
•    Swerving drivers
•    Poor weather condition
•    Road hazards and debris

Meanwhile, Los Angeles drivers who got injured in an accident caused by a negligent motorist should promptly contact a Los Angeles vehicle accident attorney for them to recover personal injury damages.