Truck crashes can be devastating for people in West Virginia. Because of the massive size and weight of these vehicles, the effects of a collision are far more likely to be severely damaging or even deadly to others on the road. In 2017, 4,102 people were killed in trucking accidents across the country and many thousands more were seriously injured. Indeed, 82% of people killed in these crashes were drivers or passengers in other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists.
Why are there so many crashes at intersections?
Did you know that nearly half of all crashes occur at intersections? According to the Federal Highway Administration, this puts them in second place only to rear-end collisions when it comes to how often they happen. You would think that with so many traffic control devices such as signals and signs that wouldn't be the case.
Red-light running crashes lead to 939 deaths in 2017
There were 939 deaths resulting from red-light running crashes in 2017: the highest that the number has been in a decade. In 65% of these crashes, it is someone other than the offending driver who dies. Reckless, impatient and distracted drivers in West Virginia and across the U.S. are to blame for this trend, but that doesn't mean that others can do nothing to protect themselves.
Study shows majority of drivers still driving distractedly
A study conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance indicates that aggressive and distracted driving habits vary by the geography and age group of the driver. Despite widespread campaigns to combat distracted driving in West Virginia, the phenomenon is still a major problem. According to a Liberty Safe Driving Expert, anything that draws the driver's attention away from the immediate task of driving is dangerous, including hands-free technology.
Subaru Crosstrek most crash-prone car despite high safety rating
Among newer vehicle models, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek sees the most number of at-fault crashes. This is according to a survey from Insurfy. The vehicle insurance comparison website looked into its database of more than 1.6 million insurance quotes came up with a list of 10 vehicles that are especially crash-prone. Residents of West Virginia should know that accidents have affected 13.64% of all vehicles in its database.
