The statistics are morbidly frightening: roughly 40,000 people are killed in fatal car accidents every year according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  About 2 million people sustain serious injury from car accidents each year and odds tell us that one day, in the next 6 years, we will be involved in a car accident of our own.  Additional crash statistics recently published include:

• 40% of all crashes occur at intersections (NHTSA)
• 22% of fatal crashes occur at intersections (NHTSA)
• 2% of people are able to drive safely while multitasking (University of Utah)
• 78% of crashes occur because of driver inattention or distraction (Virginia Tech)
• 32% of all fatal crashes involve alcohol-impaired driving (NHTSA)
• Increase risk of a crash when driving while intoxicated is 11X (Virginia Tech)
• Increase risk of a crash when driving while drowsy is 6X (Virginia Tech)
• Increase risk of a crash when driving while text messaging is 23X (Virginia Tech)
• 33% of fatal crashes involve speeding (NHTSA)
  
• 59% of fatal crashes involve only one vehicle (NHTSA)

Want to increase your chances of surviving a serious car accident?  Try implementing the following tips:

• Adjust your headrest to be at the same height as your ears
• Adjust your seat to a position that is as far away from the steering wheel as possible
• Drive with your headlights or day-time running lamps on
• Set your cabin climate control to a cooler temperature (to combat drowsiness)
• Keep good tires and replace worn tires sooner than later
• Cellphone use, even with a headset, is a serious distraction.  Leave it alone when driving.

In the unfortunate event you are involved in a car accident, call police immediately and seek medical care at the nearest hospital.  Contact a Missouri car accident injury attorney at Schultz Legal Group to discuss what other steps must be taken in order to present a car accident injury claim against the negligent driver's insurance company.  Don't be victimized twice.  Call car accident attorney Stephen Schultz at (866) 840-3636 or (314) 448-0934 for an immediate consultation.