From frontal airbags to backup cameras, modern vehicles have hundreds of important safety features. Despite these features, fatal car accidents continue to occur. In fact, according to reporting from CNBC, the number of fatal car accidents increased by 10.5% from 2020 to 2021.
With the 10.5% increase, a total of nearly 43,000 Americans died in traffic accidents in 2021 alone. This number is both alarming and unacceptable. Still, while safety professionals grapple with how to solve the problem, you might wonder why fatal car accidents continue to happen so frequently.
Human error
Automotive safety can only go so far. As long as human drivers control vehicles, their negligence is likely to cause and contribute to catastrophic motor vehicle accidents. Indeed, human error is responsible for the overwhelming majority of car crashes today.
Mechanical failure
Like all machines, cars have mechanical components that can wear out over time or break completely. While some mechanical failures are not likely to cause car accidents, others can put the lives of motorists and passengers in peril. Routine maintenance and checkups from an auto body shop can help prevent mechanical failure in your vehicle.
Driving conditions
As you undoubtedly know, it can be difficult to maintain control when you are driving on slick, icy or wet roadways. The same is true when you drive in fog, bright sunlight or the dark. While there certainly are ways to reduce your chances of having a fatal car accident when driving in bad weather, poor driving conditions can contribute to serious motor vehicle accidents.
Knowing the potential dangers you face while driving can help you know what to be aware of, so you can keep yourself and your family safe on the road.
