The cost of car accidents in the United States averages out to about $500 a year for each licensed driver in the country in terms of medical care and loss of productivity, according to results of a recent study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study also reports that that cost per driver could be lowered if more states implemented tougher drunk driving, seatbelt and cell phone laws.

The CDC study uses data from 2005 because it is the most comprehensive available, according to a news report in the Daily Democrat. The study states that the cost associated with personal injuries related to car accidents exceeds $99 billion nationwide. However, when you factor in other related costs such as insurance premiums, taxes and travel delays, the cost is believed to be more than $230.6 billion.

Failure to Enforce and Implement Laws

Interestingly, the study also shows that traffic safety gains in Europe exceed those in this country. Federal officials blame this statistic on states that do not require helmets for motorcyclists, states that do not have seatbelt enforcement laws, tough DUI laws and statutes that could deter distracted drivers.

Safety advocates give California top grades when it comes to safety programs and laws. California is one of the few states that have a handheld cell phone and texting ban. The state also has stringent seatbelt enforcement and places provides funding to local law enforcement agencies for sobriety checkpoints. California's seatbelt safety record is impressive – 96 percent compliance. The state Office of Traffic Safety estimates that 1,300 lives are saved in California each year because of tougher seatbelt laws. However, there is always room for improvement, especially when it comes to the safety issue.
Much Room for Improvement
What are some of the areas where California can improve? One would be to ban teens from having other teen passengers until they turn 18. Another would be to require ignition interlock devices for all DUI offenders, not just repeat offenders. This law is currently being tested in four California counties including Los Angeles, but is yet to be implemented statewide.

Another important issue is that of unlicensed and uninsured motorists. These drivers are a huge liability because they are the ones who are most often involved in hit-and-run collisions. Those costs are then passed on to innocent citizens rather than the at-fault motorists. For California lawmakers, this is not a time to rest on laurels, but to look forward to what needs to be done to increase the safety of our communities.

In your opinion, what improvements can be made in your state law to hold negligent drivers accountable?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Attorney News." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.