The last three years have shown an upswing in auto accidents throughout Maine. Because of this, the Department of Transportation has started a Strategic Highway Safety Plan. This plan examines traffic accident data and fatality statistics to determine where additional traffic safety measures can be put in place to reduce the risk of an accident.
The Strategic Highway Safety Plan
As roughly one-third of auto accidents in our state are caused by a lane departure (that is, one car travelling outside of their lane and into oncoming traffic) many of these additional safety measures would prevent cars from leaving their designated lanes. These measures include installing guardrails between lanes on the highway, adding rumble strips on the sides of the road and increasing tickets for speeding and distracted driving.
This safety plan also tackles other common contributing factors to auto accidents, such as inexperienced or impaired drivers, dangerous winter driving conditions, and even the presence of certain wildlife such as deer or moose. The DOT expects that these measures will help reduce the risk of auto accidents and keep our citizens safe on the road.
It's a national trend
Maine auto accident attorneys know that ours is not the only state that has seen an upswing in accidents. Nationwide, we have seen a similar increase in the frequency of auto accidents in recent years. This is most likely due to "an improving economy and lower gas prices." According to the DOT, these factors have contributed to more people being able to drive longer distances. The more cars on the road, the more accidents there will be.
As we are spending more time on the road, we must all be more aware of our surroundings and obey the rules of the road. Speeding might seem like a good idea at the time but anything that prevents you and others from getting home safely is never worth the risk. Take your time, drive defensively and focus on reaching your destination safely.
Our clients know that, should an accident occur, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein have the experience and knowledge to get them back on the road again. If you or a loved one have been injured on the road, contact us today. The initial consultation is always free and there's never a fee unless you win and get the justice you deserve.
