When Cars Crash Into Buildings
You may hear about a random vehicle crashing into a building from time to time, but in the United States, it happens a lot more than you may think. Want to take a guess?
In the past few years, statistics showed that car accidents involving buildings happen about 60 times a day. However, that was actually a low number. The realistic number is more like 100 accidents per day in the United States.
These may seem like crazy, unusual situations, but they can happen for various reasons. Some of the most common reasons why vehicles may crash into buildings include:
- Loss of control on curves. High-speed driving around curves can cause vehicles to skid and crash into buildings.
- Pedal confusion. Drivers, especially older adults, may confuse the brake and gas pedals.
- Backing up. Misjudging the space while reversing can lead to hitting buildings, especially in narrow alleys or parking spaces.
Many other reasons involve human error. These include:
- Distracted driving. Cell phone use, eating, and other distractions can cause drivers to lose control.
- Driving under the influence. Alcohol, drugs, and medications can impair a driver’s ability to control their vehicle.
- Driving at high speeds reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of losing control.
- Tired drivers have slower reaction times and can fall asleep at the wheel.
- New or young drivers may lack the experience needed to handle certain driving conditions.
- Medical emergencies. Sudden medical issues like heart attacks or seizures can cause drivers to lose control.
Environmental conditions may also be to blame. These include:
- Poor weather. Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and traction, making it easier to lose control.
- Road conditions. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris on the road can contribute to accidents.
- Poor lighting. Driving at night or in poorly lit areas can make it harder to see obstacles and other vehicles.
Statistics show that age is also a factor. Driving drunk and texting at the wheel make this issue more dangerous, and young drivers are prone to such distractions. Twenty percent of drivers who crash into buildings are in their 20s, even though this age range makes up 18% of licensed drivers in the country. On the other end of the spectrum, 44% of drivers who crash into buildings are over the age of 60 or older, even though only 19% of licensed drivers are 60 or older. States with the most drivers over the age of 65 tend to have the highest rates of storefront crashes.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Vehicles end up in homes and buildings more often than you may think. Drivers need to be paying attention to what they are going and make sure they are using the right controls (brake vs. accelerator, for example).
These types of crashes can cause injuries to those in the vehicle as well as bystanders. Get the help you need from a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. Our legal team will help you get full and fair compensation for all your damages. To schedule a consultation today, call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form.
Source:
slate.com/business/2022/06/car-crash-buildings-how-many.html
