6 Facts About Accidents in the United States
By: Mariela Hernandez
Tags: Accident, Safety, Facts

An accident can happen to anyone, a slippery floor at an office could cause a fall, answering a call while driving can result in a rear-end car crash or maybe you forgot you left the stove on and caused a fire. Some accidents may be preventable such as an accident caused by texting and driving, but others can happen in an instant without any warning. Learn some facts about common accidents in the U.S. and what you could do to prevent them.

What is the Most Common Fatal Workplace Accident?

Workplace accidents are common, especially in the construction industry. However, in the US incidents related to transportation were the most common accident in 2018. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 40% of fatal work injuries involved a transportation incident.

What Causes Most Car Accidents?

As stated earlier in this article, car accidents are one of the most common types of accidents US citizens suffer every year. One of the main causes of car accidents is “driver errors” such as distractions like texting and driving. According to distracted driving car accident lawyers Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, in 2017 3,166 Californians lost their lives in an accident caused by a distracted driver. Most states have laws in place that ban texting while driving to prevent these types of accidents.

How Many Slip and Falls Result in a Hospital Visit?

Slip and falls are often an overlooked risk but one that can cause severe and sometimes fatal injuries, especially in older people who are more likely to suffer these accidents. The CDC states that every year 3 million older people are treated in the emergency room for fall injuries. Make sure older adults in your family are safe at home by installing handrails in stairs and bathrooms, avoid placing furniture that can block hallways and other high traffic areas and pick up any cables or extensions that may be lying on the floor.

Who Is More Likely To Suffer a Burn Injury?

According to the American Burn Association, children and the disabled carry the highest risk of suffering a burn injury. The Association states that almost one-quarter of all burn injuries are suffered by children under 15 years old. We must always follow safe fire protocols at home such as, never leave children unattended near a fireplace or any kind of open flame, don’t let children play with holiday decorations that could cause a fire, and never leave candles or other flames where a child could reach them.

How Many People Lose Their Lives in a Car Accident?

Car accidents are a common occurrence in almost every part of the country. However, we rarely hear about how many people lose their lives in a car crash. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36,500 people lost their lives in a traffic accident in 2018. This statistic should make everyone reconsider speeding, texting and driving, and other actions that put our lives at risk behind the wheel.

When do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

A little-known fact about motorcycle accidents is that most of them occur during a short trip, such as running errands, or shopping, and they usually take place at the beginning of the trip. Motorcycle drivers must follow the same rules as passenger vehicle drivers, but the lack of protection a motorcycle offers results in more severe injuries compared to a car crash.