In Massachusetts, people face risks every time they get into a motor vehicle. Driving a vehicle is much riskier than riding in a plane as people have a 300-times greater risk of dying in a car crash than they do of dying in an airplane disaster.
One person was killed in a multiple-vehicle accident in Stoughton on Nov. 9. The victim, who was ejected from a vehicle that had crashed, was hit by six more vehicles. The accident took place on Route 24 near Exit 20 and caused the closure of the northbound side of the road at the Stoughton-Avon line for several hours.
Massachusetts drivers should be aware of the potential risks of driving while sleep deprived. AAA estimates that 43 percent of American drivers have admitted to falling asleep or nodding off at the wheel at least once, based on a 2015 survey. Noting that this is a serious problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an initiative to prevent drivers from taking the wheel while low on sleep.
Massachusetts residents may work an extra job to meet the financial needs of their family, but this responsibility should also be balanced with a sense of caution when driving after a late shift or long work day. Those who drive while drowsy run the risk of nodding off behind the wheel, an issue that can result in a devastating accident. Unfortunately, statistics indicate that at least 40 percent of motorists have taken that risk at least once during their lives.
Five Massachusetts teens were injured in an accident in Ashland when their vehicle hit multiple poles at around 1:30 a.m. Oct. 25. The crash occurred on East Union Street near Ashland High School, and two of the teens currently attend this school while the other three previously attended.
The NHTSA has partnered with the Ad Council to create a public service announcement aimed at combating underage drinking as part of National Teen Driver Safety Week. In a first for the two organizations, the commercial was filed entirely on an iPhone and compares drunk driving to committing the “ultimate party foul”. However, while it is easy to forget about a spilled drink at a party, drunk driving can have long lasting consequences.
Many of the car crashes that take place in Massachusetts happen at intersections when drivers fail to stop at a red light. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 762 people died in red light running accidents across the United States in 2008. In addition to the fatalities, about 165,000 people are injured in red light running accidents each year.
With news of autonomous cars making headlines, many Massachusetts residents may be wondering when they will get their first glimpse of a self-driving vehicle on their public roads. However, others may be wondering what happens should that care become involved in a crash. In normal crashes, the driver who caused the accident would be responsible. However, since autonomous cars rely on computers and sensors and not drivers, determining fault can be more difficult.
While all people in Massachusetts will eventually die, they of course have a strong interest in doing so due to old age rather than to an accident. While the state shows one of the lowest rates of death due to motor vehicle accidents, these incidents till account for a significant cause of fatalities.
A fatal motor vehicle accident caused by an alleged intoxicated driver took place in Shelburne, Massachusetts, On Oct. 2. The crash is being investigated by the Shelburne Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and other law enforcement personnel.
Automobile Accident, Motorcycle Accident, Bicycle Accident
Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents
Be Safe RulesMotorcycle Accident
Boating Accidents
Slip and Fall Accidents
Sports & School Injuries
Work-Related Injuries
Dog Bites
Sexual Abuse
Nursing Home Injuries
Insurance Disputes
Products Liability
Traumatic Brain Injures
Wrongful Death
Burn Injuries
Complex Pain Syndrome (RSD)