The concept of “safety first” on the roads of Alabama is apparently easier said than done. Even though the lesson is repeatedly taught in driver education classes throughout the state and emphasized in road manuals and tests, statistics show that a substantial number of drivers still ignore that concept each year which can lead to auto accidents for Montgomery drivers.

According to the University of Alabama, there were 152,532 traffic crashes in 2016 – an increase of over 2 percent – causing 1,058 fatalities. Based on a report published by Drive Safe Alabama, the top four driver-contributing circumstances with corresponding fatal crashes involve the following safety violations:

• Failure to yield right of way
• Tailgating
• Misjudged stopping distance
• Improper lane change/use

Other circumstances provided on the same list were driving under the influence, speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road and falling asleep at the wheel.

Does the Lack of Seat Belt Usage Cause Auto Accidents in Montgomery?

Deciding to wear a seat belt does not have very much weight when it comes to the cause of fatal auto accidents in Montgomery. As outlined above, the vast majority of factors that lead to automobile accidents and fatalities are based on decisions made, and behaviors followed from behind the wheel. However, studies have proven that the lack of proper seat belt usage and safety restraints within the vehicle lead to life-threatening injuries and fatalities.

For instance, it is true that 80 percent of kids who walked away from auto accidents in Montgomery without injury were protected and properly secured by child restraints. This, unfortunately, means that 20 percent of children involved in crashes were not secured. Further reports show that 100 percent of fatalities involving children who lost their lives were not properly restrained.

What Are the Consequences of Unsafe Driving in Montgomery, Alabama?

In addition to increasing the probability of a life-threatening accident, there are other consequences that drivers must face after violating the safety rules and regulations on the road. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the court-mandated punishments and penalties are just the beginning. If you are arrested and convicted of a road safety violation, you may also be subjected to losing your driver license through:

Those who have been injured in Montgomery auto accidents need to contact Vance Law Firm for a consultation.

• Cancellation
• Revocation
• Suspension
• Disqualification

There are also fees associated with recovering and restoring your driving privileges (if allowed) after your period of punishment ends:

• Reinstatement fee: $100 minimum
• Failure to surrender your driver’s license within the allotted time: $50 additional

Revocation may seem like an extreme punishment for safety violations. However, depending on the actual offense or history of related offenses, your driver’s license may be revoked:

• Vehicular manslaughter or homicide
• Driving while under the influence of intoxication (2nd or subsequent conviction)
• Driving while under the influence of a controlled substance (2nd or subsequent conviction)
• Failure to stop, render aid or “identify yourself” in an injury- or death-related accident
• Three reckless driving convictions within a calendar year (12 months)

If you are concerned about how your driving privileges may be affected after a car accident in Montgomery, it is highly recommended to retain a car accident attorney to assist.

Why is Focused Driving an Effective Tool for Preventing Auto Accidents?

The cornerstone of safe driving and preventing auto accidents in Montgomery effectively is the simple, yet underappreciated, concept of focus. Back in Driver’s Education class and during road tests to get your license, you were likely more focused than ever before behind the wheel – knowing that every look, every moment, every turn and every decision was examined, judged and graded. Studies show that automobile accidents occur when that level of focus drops or disappears entirely.

For instance, according to Drive Safe Alabama, the most crash-prone period of the week is Friday evenings between 3 PM and 6 PM. The most crashes with reported fatalities occurred on Saturday. Perhaps the relaxed state of mind that comes with the relief of a concluded week of work or school leads to unwise decisions and life-threatening safety violations behind the wheel.

Should You Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Montgomery?

After experiencing an automobile accident, there are a lot of questions that need answers and decisions that must be made. Even if you were not at-fault for the accident, you would need assistance with safely navigating the aftermath of the accident both inside and outside of the courtroom. To assume that you can handle your own legal representation leaves you openly exposed to whatever the opposing counsel brings to the table.

Call the Vance Law Firm today and schedule a free consultation with no obligations or strings attached. One of our car accident attorneys will work directly with you to level the playing field against opposing counsel and explore all of your available options.