Understanding some of the most important elements common in vehicle accidents across California and the country leading to fatalities can be important for preventing your own accident in San Diego.

For every vehicle crash that happens on America’s roadways, there are multiple factors contributing to the severity.

In 2008, more than 37,000 people were victims in an estimated 5.8 million motor fatal vehicle crashes that were reported to police. Although fatal crashes are not the most prevalent car accidents out there, they are the most consequential from the standpoint of safety which is why it is so important to understand factors linked to fatal vehicle crashes.

As it relates to two-vehicle fatal crashes, the main factors involved are traffic controls and the characteristics of the roadway such as the surface type or the roadway alignment. In accidents involving three or more vehicles, road characteristics, vehicle speed and road type are the most important factors involved. Transportation related factors typically refer to the elements of the actual roadways, infrastructure or external factors that can cause an accident, like weather conditions. These factors are determined to be the most important across all groups:

  • Weather impacts
  • Road characteristics
  • Speed and route type
  • Traffic controls
  • Road classification

Accidents can happen at any time but extreme weather conditions or poor roadways can contribute to a greater likelihood of an accident. Sadly, fatal car accidents have repercussions that last over the course of a lifetime especially for the family members of the victims who have been killed in such an accident. Make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings and try to avoid driving during serious weather conditions so that you can minimize your chances of being involved in a fatal accident.