In spite of precautions, laws, and common sense, car accidents are much more frequent than most people would like to think. Certainly, a majority of people feel that the drivers in their particular city or state are “the worst,” but they can’t all be correct. Some cities have peculiarities of design and construction that make drivers more likely to end up experiencing car accidents more often. In other cities, it may be that the amount of tourism contributes; the large number of people unfamiliar with the area certainly doesn’t make it easier for locals to avoid accidents. Whatever the reason, there are some cities that seem to consistently end up with more frequent car crashes than others. If you live in a city with a large number of accidents, you should consider forming a relationship with a car accident attorney. Different companies and organizations compile research to determine which states have the most car accidents reported every year, with the information available in a variety of places online. Here are the top five of the most recent study, from 2012:
1. Washington, D.C.
Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average: 107.3 percent more likely
Average Years Between Collisions: 4.8
2. Baltimore
Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average: 88.7 percent more likely
Average Years Between Collisions: 5.3
3. Glendale, Calif.
Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average: 80.8 percent more likely
Average Years Between Collisions: 5.5
4. Newark, N.J.
Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average: 70.8 percent more likely
Average Years Between Collisions: 5.9
5. Providence, R.I.
Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average: 66.7 percent more likely
Average Years Between Collisions: 6
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as of 2011, the average American gets into a car accident once every 10 years. Washington, D.C. has held the top spot for most car accidents for years, though the mid-Atlantic in general is fairly close; where D.C. drivers average a car accident every 4.8 years, and Baltimore drivers every 5.3 years, Alexandria, VA drivers find themselves in the unenviable position of another car accident every 6.4 years.
In fact, the only non-Eastern Seaboard states to make the list were in California—Glendale and San Francisco (which came in ninth). If you live in any of the cities to crack the top ten for most car accidents, it would probably be a good idea to maintain a relationship with a car accident attorney—you are fairly likely to need one fairly frequently. If you don’t live in one of the cities so prone to car accidents, you should still make sure that you are taking adequate precautions on the road; after all, this is a top ten list that no one really wants to be on. Take the advice of an experienced Delray Beach car accident lawyer: make sure that you are keeping your car maintained as much as you can, and that you only drive in conditions that you are comfortable handling; in addition, minimize distractions by putting away mobile devices and avoiding the temptation of multitasking while you drive. No matter how important it is that you get somewhere—even if you are late—it is a good idea to proceed safely. After all, if you get into a car accident on your way to work, you are certainly going to be much later than you would be if you simply traveled reasonably.