On March 24th, 2024, the Delaware News Journal published a comprehensive, important report on highway safety data in our state. Unfortunately, year after year, motor vehicle collisions remain a leading cause of accidental injuries and accidental deaths. At Freibott Law Firm, we are strong advocates for improved highway safety and the rights of victims and families. Here, our Wilmington auto accident attorney highlights four major findings from the data.
- The Good News: A Tangible Reduction in Road Fatalities
Car accident deaths have been rising sharply in Delaware and throughout the U.S. in recent years—especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is finally some good news on this front: Delaware has seen a notable decrease in traffic-related deaths across all modes of transportation between 2022 and 2023. There has been a 16 percent overall year-over-year decrease in highway fatalities. This decline is particularly significant given Delaware’s previous high ranking for car crash-related fatalities. Still, there is a long way to go. Highway deaths in Delaware remained above the pre-COVID baseline.
- Pedestrian Fatalities Remain a Major Cause Concern:
Despite the decrease in total traffic fatalities, pedestrians continue to represent a disproportionately high percentage of these fatalities in our region. Even though they were involved in less than 1 percent of all crashes, pedestrians account for 13 percent of traffic deaths in our state. The discrepancy underscores the need for targeted safety measures and public awareness campaigns aimed specifically at protecting vulnerable pedestrians. Notably, Delaware has one of the worst records for pedestrian safety in the entire country. More must be done.
- High Incidence of Fatal Crashes at Intersections
Intersections are a big area of concern. A comprehensive analysis of crash data revealed that a significant portion of fatal crashes in Delaware occur at intersections—with four-way intersections being the most dangerous. More than six in 10 deadly accidents in Delaware happen at four-way intersections. The highway safety research suggests the need for enhanced safety measures. Some ideas for reforms include improved signage, better lighting, and more precise traffic signal timing.
- Driver Behavior Prior to Fatal Crashes (Most Crashes are Avoidable)
Insights into driver behavior before a deadly collision highlight that the majority of drivers (60%) were driving straight prior to the incident, followed by navigating a curve (14%) and turning left (9%). The data suggests that while complex maneuvers like turning and navigating curves are involved in a significant number of fatal crashes, even seemingly straightforward driving activities still carry risks. Few serious car crashes in Delaware can be classified as anything approaching unavoidable. The vast majority of accidents happen because of negligence, including speeding, distracted driving, and intoxicated driving.
Speak to a Top-Tier Wilmington, DE Car Crash Attorney Today
At Freibott Law Firm, our Delaware auto accident lawyer is a skilled, passionate, tireless advocate for injured victims and their family members. If you or your loved one was hurt in any type of crash, we are here to help. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation case review. With an office in Wilmington and an office in Lewes, we take on car crash injury claims across the state.