Car accidents are one of the leading causes of deaths and injuries in Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were 503 fatal car accidents in the state in 2020 alone. This alarming statistic highlights the need for drivers to be more cautious and vigilant when driving on the roads. In this article, we will explore the various causes of fatal car accidents in Maryland and provide some tips on how to prevent them from happening.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents in Maryland. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 159 drunk driving fatalities in Maryland in 2019. This means that 30% of all fatal car accidents in Maryland were caused by drunk driving. To prevent drunk driving accidents, it is essential to never drink and drive. If you plan to drink, make sure to have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another common cause of fatal car accidents in Maryland. This can include anything that diverts your attention away from the road, such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were 34 fatalities caused by distracted driving in 2020. To prevent distracted driving accidents, it is important to focus on the road and avoid any activities that can take your attention away from driving.

Speeding

Speeding is another common cause of fatal car accidents in Maryland. According to the NHTSA, there were 110 fatalities caused by speeding in Maryland in 2019. To prevent speeding accidents, it is important to always obey the speed limit and adjust your speed according to road conditions.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is another leading cause of fatal car accidents in Maryland. This can include anything from weaving in and out of traffic to running red lights. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were 68 fatalities caused by reckless driving in 2020. To prevent reckless driving accidents, it is important to always drive defensively and follow the rules of the road.

Poor Weather Conditions

Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can also contribute to fatal car accidents in Maryland. These conditions can make it difficult to see the road and can cause cars to slide or lose control. To prevent weather-related accidents, it is important to adjust your driving according to the weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.

Vehicle Malfunction

Vehicle malfunction is another potential cause of fatal car accidents in Maryland. This can include anything from tire blowouts to brake failure. To prevent vehicle-related accidents, it is important to perform regular maintenance on your car and address any issues as soon as they arise.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are also a common cause of fatal car accidents in Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were 111 pedestrian fatalities in 2020. To prevent pedestrian accidents, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and watch for pedestrians, especially in high-traffic areas.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents are another potential cause of fatal car accidents in Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were 14 bicycle fatalities in 2020. To prevent bicycle accidents, it is important to always give cyclists plenty of space on the road and watch for them when turning or changing lanes.

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