What is "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day"?
Fatal car accidents have been surging in Wichita and across the US
The number of fatal car accidents is surging across the U.S., claiming the lives of about 37,000 people annually.
That's approximately 101 daily traffic deaths, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).
A national campaign hopes to reverse the trend and spread awareness about crash prevention. It's called "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day (PBFD)."
Supporters of the Oct. 10 campaign say that road safety should be more of a priority and we should drive like every day is PBFD.
Kansas car accident facts
Although "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day" is only one day out of the year, the meaning and importance can be applied daily - especially in Kansas.
The problem seems to be that many drivers are skipping out on the basics of driving safety. Researchers have suggested that Kansas could take steps to reduce fatal accidents. Kansas crash statistics include the following:
- Kansas's fatal crash rate is 1.26 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. The national average is 1.13.
- In 2020, 425 people died in traffic accidents in Kansas.
- From January to around the end of March this year, there have been 88 traffic deaths in Kansas.
- The 88 deaths is a 10 percent increase from last year.
Buckle up, Kansas
A significant part of PBFD is to spread awareness about the importance of following safety habits. This includes pedestrians and drivers watching for traffic and bicyclists wearing helmets. It also includes drivers and passengers wearing seatbelts.
About half of the fatal crashes this year have involved someone not wearing a seatbelt, according to KWCH.
As a driver, wearing your seatbelt can set a good example for others. When a driver is buckled up, about 95 percent of the time, so do the kids in the car.
If the driver is not buckled, children have their seat belts on about 25 percent of the time, KDOT statistics show.
Kansas has a speeding problem
Traffic deaths in Kansas could be reduced if more people obeyed speed limits and traffic laws, according to researchers.
Research and data show that the pandemic impacted how people drive. With empty roads during the lockdown, people succumbed to the temptation to speed. Since then, they haven't looked back.
Drivers are speeding and recklessly driving now more than ever. And unlike during the pandemic, many more cars are on the road.
In Kansas City, police officers are stopping more "super" speeders - people driving over 100 mph. Recently, city police stopped a driver going 120 mph.
PBFD spreads awareness about the dangers of bad driving behaviors like:
- Distracted driving. When you become distracted and take your attention away from driving, a crash can occur in the blink of an eye. Distracted drivers put themselves and every road user at risk.
- Drowsy driving. It's difficult to pay attention to hazards when you're sleepy behind the wheel. Drowsy driving increases the risk of an accident occurring.
- Drunk driving. Your coordination, concentration, vision, and judgment all decrease or slow down when alcohol is in your system. Drunk driving is a serious crime and can lead to fatal accidents.
- Speeding. The risk of an accident increase the faster a car goes. There is more likely to be a crash, and that crash is more likely to be catastrophic.
Legal help for injured Kansas car accident victims
Sometimes our roads can be dangerous, and when a fatal traffic accident happens, it affects the whole community. If you were hurt or a loved one died in a car accident, you should seek legal help as soon as possible.
Lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses can add up fast, but you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. With the help of a Wichita car accident attorney at Warner Law Offices, you can put yourself in a position to obtain the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.