The number of fatal traffic accidents in Virginia seems to be getting worse, not better. In 2021, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles, 968 people passed away because of motor vehicle accidents. That is an increase of over 14% compared with 2020.
Sadly, the high number of fatalities is not a fluke. Officials said they have been seen dramatic increases in all kinds of motor vehicle accidents in recent years.
Why are Virginia’s numbers so high?
There are a number of reasons why Virginia’s numbers are so high. One of the contributing factors is that many people do not wear their seatbelts when they are in the vehicle. Distracted driving is another factor. With those kinds of numbers, it is not just one thing that is contributing to such alarming statistics. Also, it does not only affect one demographic. It affects people in all age groups, all ethnic groups, all economic groups, etc.
Another possible reason why Virginia has such high numbers is that people are finally going out and about after being home for such a long time. There are several measures that people can take to decrease the number of crashes on the road. They are:
- Wearing seatbelts
- Ensuring that car seats for children are safe and secure
- Driving slower
- Not allowing distractions while driving
- Not driving under the influence of any substance
Solid advice from an attorney
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident and have been seriously injured or a loved one has lost their life, it may be valuable to consult a knowledgeable Virginia motor vehicle accident attorney, who can help you to navigate the process and who will hopefully help you to get the compensation that you deserve while protecting your rights at the same time.