Feeling unsafe while driving can be an extremely unsettling experience. From dealing with speeding tractor-trailers on the interstate to watching out for distracted drivers glued to their smartphones, driving can certainly be dangerous. Unfortunately, driving in West Virginia might be more dangerous — and deadly — than most people think. West Virginia is ranked high on the list of states with the most fatal accidents.
The financial website 247wallst recently conducted a study on road safety and accident fatalities. Researchers used data from both the National Safety Council and the Population Estimates program, which was circulated by the U.S. Census Bureau. They discovered that on average there are 12 fatalities per every 100,000 people in the country.
Researchers found that speed, weather, seat belt usage and drivers with blood-alcohol contents of more than .08 percent were frequent contributors to fatal accidents. The study also ranked all 50 states in order of least to most dangerous in terms of auto accident fatalities. West Virginia came in eighth place as one of the most dangerous states in the country.
No matter how cautiously a person drives, there is often no avoiding the actions of a careless or negligent driver. This means that a driver could always adhere to the speed limit, abstain from alcohol before driving and respect road signs and traffic lights, and still be involved in an accident. Surviving family members who have lost loved ones in fatal accidents can secure justice on behalf of the victim, though. Wrongful death lawsuits are often successful at securing compensation for the victim’s estate, which can address lingering financial damages such as unexpected funeral expenses and lost income.
