Alabama Car Accident Statistics
Mobile, Alabama
According to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, there were 135,227 automobile accidents within Alabama state lines in 2007. These accidents caused 39,651 serious injuries and 1,110 fatalities to drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Each of these numbers is lower than the 2006 numbers. However, automobiles still pose a big threat to public safety. In fact, it is estimated that everyone will be involved in an automobile accident of some kind at one time or another during their lifetime.
For accidents that resulted in fatalities, here are a few other statistics to consider:
- 63 percent involved the vehicle leaving the roadway
- 58 percent involved a single vehicle
- 44 percent involved speeding
- 43 percent involved alcohol
- 39 percent involved a rollover
- 38 percent of motorist or passenger fatalities were wearing seat belts
- 17 percent occurred at an intersection
- 12 percent involved a large truck or semi
Driver distraction
Alabama generally mirrors national averages in most auto accident statistics, so it is useful to look at some national statistics to gauge what the major causes of accidents are her in Alabama. Some studies indicate that driver distraction plays a significant role in 93 percent of auto accidents. Here are some estimates:
- 81 percent of accidents involve talking with passengers
- 66 percent involve adjusting the car radio, CD player, or other media device
- 50 percent involve eating or drinking
- 25 percent involve cell phone use or “texting”
Motorcyclists and helmet use
85 motorcycle fatalities occurred in Alabama during 2007. 77 of these riders were wearing helmets while eight were not. Statistical calculations estimate that had all of these riders been wearing helmets, three of these eight non-helmeted riders would likely have survived their accident. While statistics like this are often misinterpreted, the truth is there are hundreds of Alabama motorcyclists whose lives are saved every year because of helmet use.
If you live in the Mobile, Alabama area and have suffered a personal injury or property damage due to an automobile accident that was not your fault, please contact the law firm of Long & Waite, Attorneys at Law today to arrange a consultation so we can help you determine what compensation you may be eligible for.