Maryland, just the same as other states throughout the country, keeps records on the number of car accidents that occur every year. Furthermore, the state keeps tabs on how many people are killed and injured in such accidents.
Many Maryland residents are unaware that car accidents are so serious, with these crashes being the number one killer of people between the ages of 4 and 34.
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, traffic accidents kill more people in the state than homicides. If that statistic is not alarming enough, here is another to consider: more than 90 percent of accidents are preventable, as they are caused by driver error.
From the years 2003 to 2007, the number of crashes in Maryland declined; however, it remained a large problem in an overall sense.
In 2003, there were 109,130 total crashes. This number dipped to 100,943 in 2007. There were 651 people killed in these accidents in 2003, with 615 deaths in 2007. From an injury perspective, 58,188 people were injured in 2003 with 51,729 in 2007.
Even though crash statistics in the state are improving, with so many accidents caused by driver negligence, there is no way to put a complete end to this problem.
The more cautious drivers become the fewer accidents there will be. With driver error contributing to more than 90 percent of crashes, it is important for all people to pay attention to the road. In the event that a negligent driver causes an accident, the victim often has the opportunity to file a lawsuit as a means of collecting compensation for injuries and other damages.
Source: Maryland Department of Transportation, “Maryland Crash Statistics” Aug. 19, 2014
