DELAWARE — Traffic accidents are a serious problem that affects everyone on the road. From the drivers who are involved in accidents to their loved ones to the police and emergency services that respond to them. Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and rush hour traffic accidents are particularly deadly. When you consider the number of people on the road during rush hour, it is no surprise that so many accidents happen. In this article, we will examine how Delaware ranks among the states with the deadliest rush hour, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data compiled by Gold Law.
According to the data collected by NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 32% of traffic deaths occurred during rush hour in Delaware. That equates to 43 out of a total of 136 traffic deaths in the state. Thirty-one of those deaths occurred during the evening rush hour, and the remaining 12 occurred during the morning rush hour. While these numbers are certainly concerning, it is important to note that the number of traffic fatalities has been decreasing in Delaware over the past few years.
When we compare Delaware to other states in the United States, we find that it is ranked third among the states with the deadliest rush hour. The top five states, ranked by the percentage of traffic deaths that occurred during rush hour, are South Dakota, Vermont, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Alaska. In South Dakota, 30% of traffic deaths occurred during rush hour, while in Alaska, the figure is as high as 37%. What is concerning is that rush hour traffic appears to be considerably more deadly in the evening, as opposed to the morning, in nearly every state.
One of the reasons why rush hour traffic is so dangerous is that it is often characterized by gridlock. Gridlock can lead to frustrated drivers who are more likely to take risks, such as running red lights or speeding, in order to get to their destination more quickly. Additionally, drivers may be more likely to engage in distracted driving behaviors, such as texting or using their cell phones, which can increase the risk of accidents.
Despite the concerning data, Delaware has been taking steps to improve traffic safety. The state has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing traffic fatalities, including a campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Additionally, the state has upgraded several key intersections with new technology, such as smart traffic signals that can respond to real-time traffic demands in order to reduce congestion.
What can motorists do to improve road safety during rush hour?
- Leave Early or Late: Try to avoid peak rush hours when possible. You can do this by leaving a bit early or a bit later when the roads are less congested.
- Stay Calm: Rush hour can be stressful, but it’s important to stay calm. Aggressive driving can lead to accidents.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Always keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This gives you more time to react if the other driver suddenly brakes.
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road. Don’t use your phone or any other electronic devices while driving.
- Use Public Transportation or Carpool: If possible, consider using public transportation or carpooling during rush hour. It reduces the number of vehicles on the road.
- Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns during rush hour.
- Use Navigation Apps: Use navigation apps to find the fastest route, and to avoid traffic jams.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Obey all traffic rules and signals. This includes not changing lanes frequently during heavy traffic.
- Be Patient: Rush hour is frustrating for everyone. Be patient with other drivers and remember that everyone is trying to get to their destination just like you.
- Plan Ahead: Check the traffic situation before you leave. If there’s a major traffic jam on your usual route, consider taking a different route.
As we have seen, traffic accidents are a serious problem that affects everyone on the road. Rush hour traffic, in particular, is a significant contributing factor to the number of accidents that occur each year. While Delaware is ranked among the states with the deadliest rush hour, the state has been making efforts to improve traffic safety and reduce the number of traffic fatalities. By continuing to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and implementing new technology to reduce congestion, Delaware can continue to make progress toward creating a safer road environment for everyone. Remember, safety should always come first when driving, especially during rush hour.
Note: The Gold Law study utilized data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, specifically focusing on fatal crash data in the year 2021.
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