According to research, death-related traffic accidents are on the rise, particularly in the state of Nevada. In fact, fatal crashes have doubled in the first part of 2021 when compared to the same time period in 2020. The number of traffic accident-related deaths increased by 3.3% between 2019 and 2020, according to data compiled by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety (“NOTS”). Unfortunately, news reports indicate that there was a 20% increase in traffic fatalities — whether pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, or drivers — just in the first four months of 2021. One of the most common car accidents that result in deaths are head-on crashes. According to the Institute for Highway Safety (“IHS”), the fatality rate is 58% for this type of deadly collision.
Head-On Collisions
While many head-on crashes involve two cars colliding front-to-front, other head-on collisions involve vehicles hitting a stationary object like a tree, building, post, or parked car. The most common causes of head-on collisions include drivers who:
- Are under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Are speeding and lose control of their vehicle;
- Enter a freeway exit or street from the wrong direction;
- Experience medical emergencies;
- Are distracted for extended periods of time.
Head-on collisions cause whoever is in the vehicle to continue moving forward — sometimes through windows or windshields — unless they are wearing a restraint. For this reason, airbags, seatbelts, and other safety features in a vehicle are important to use.
The Important of Safety
Research shows that seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features are the best way to prevent a fatality when a car accident occurs. Whenever you enter a vehicle make sure that each and every passenger has his or her seatbelt fastened and that all of the vehicle’s airbags are working properly. Keep an eye out for vehicles that allow you to turn off your airbags and make sure they are activated and not disabled. According to the NHTSA:
- 14,600 lives were saved when passengers involved in a crash who were aged 5 and over wore seatbelts;
- 2,760 people aged 13 and older were saved due to vehicles’ front seatbelt; and
- 330 younger children were saved when involved in a car crash while properly fastened in child restraints such as a car seat or booster seat.
It is critical to understand that airbags are a supplemental safety feature, and not meant to replace seat belts. Do not assume that you do not need to buckle up simply because your car has airbags. A seatbelt is meant to protect a person, provide body support, and prevent ejection from the vehicle. Airbags, on the other hand, provide a cushion between the person and the vehicle — the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, window, door and other surfaces — to protect their head, face, neck, and chest.
Contact H&P Law
Head-on crashes can have serious and even permanent consequences. If a crash victim survives, these injuries can be life-changing. If you or someone you care about has been involved in a Nevada head-on collision that was caused by another’s reckless behavior, contact H&P Law. You may be entitled to monetary compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and even pain and suffering. Contact our courtroom proven attorneys to see how we can help.
