Edmonton Car Accident Data Trends
Driving in Edmonton often offers a pleasant experience due to smooth traffic flow, top-notch infrastructure, and drivers who generally follow the rules. Yet, despite the city’s smaller population, Edmonton car accident sees a significant number yearly.
Winter conditions, including snow and ice, can make the roads more hazardous and call for extra caution from drivers and pedestrians. This article dives into the statistics to reveal the true scope of road accidents in Edmonton and suggests actionable steps for prevention.
Historical Data
Canada has a relatively extensive and well-maintained road network, yet it has still its share of accidents. Some years have fewer accidents because of better traffic rules or successful safety campaigns. On the other hand, more accidents happen in other years, often due to harsh winter weather, money issues affecting car upkeep or shifts in how people use the roads.
Fatal Accidents
Examining the number of fatal accidents yearly is crucial to better grasp road safety in Canada. This information is invaluable for targeting interventions that aim to make the roads safer for everyone.
This is the Annual Collision Report: Collision Severity in Edmonton:
|
| Injuries + Fatalities Per 1,000 Population | Injuries Per 1,000 Population | Fatalities Per 1,000 Population |
2021 | 1,057,796 | 1.98 | 1.96 | 0.02 |
2020 | 1,047,526 | 1.81 | 1.79 | 0.01 |
2019 | 993,100 | 2.6 | 2.59 | 0.01 |
2018 | 973,100 | 3.42 | 3.4 | 0.02 |
According to Transport Canada’s National Collision Database, the age group that gets into the most accidents in the country is 25 to 34. This group makes up a big part of the people who drive, so it’s important to focus on making the roads safer for them.
Causes of Accidents
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. Mobile phone use, eating, or even changing the radio station can distract you from the road. The data from Transport Canada’s Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics shows that these distractions are leading to more and more accidents.
2. DUI (Driving Under Influence)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not just illegal; it’s also extremely dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk. Drivers’ judgment, coordination, and reaction times are severely impaired when intoxicated.
This makes them much more likely to cause an accident. Many accidents involve drivers who have been drinking or using drugs. For this reason, it’s important to stay sober when you’re behind the wheel. Avoiding driving under the influence helps ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
3. Weather Conditions
Bad weather, such as rain or snow, can seriously affect how safe it is to drive. When the roads are wet or icy, it’s easier for cars to slip or for drivers to lose control. The number of accidents goes up when the weather turns bad.
Slow down, keep more space between you and the car in front of you, and pay extra attention during poor weather conditions. Being cautious in these situations can make a big difference in keeping you and everyone on the road safe.
4. Speeding
Speeding is a big problem that leads to many crashes. When you drive too fast, you have less time to react if something happens, like if a car stops suddenly or a kid runs into the road. The faster you go, the harder it is to stop quickly. Slowing down could prevent many accidents, making the road safer for everyone.
Steps to Do After a Car Accident
The following actions must be taken immediately after a car accident in order to protect everyone and accurately record the incident.
- Check for Injuries: Immediately check if you or anyone involved in the accident is injured. Call for medical assistance if needed.
- Move to a Safe Area: If possible and safe, move your vehicle out of traffic flow to a safer spot.
- Call the Police: Regardless of the severity, it’s usually advisable to call the police to file an official report.
- Turn Off Your Vehicle: Turn off your car’s engine for safety.
- Activate Hazard Lights: Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Exchange Information: Collect and share contact and insurance details with the other parties. Ensure to get names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, and license plate numbers.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures and videos from different angles, capturing the damage to all vehicles and any relevant road signs or signals.
- Gather Witnesses: If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company immediately to start the claims process.
- Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries are not immediately apparent, even if you feel fine. It’s advisable to get a medical check-up following the accident.
- Consult an Attorney: Depending on the circumstances and severity of the accident, you should consult an attorney to understand your legal rights and responsibilities.
- Follow Up on Claims: Contact your insurance company and provide any additional information required to process your claim.
Engage With a Car Accident Attorney Now
In light of the rising Edmonton car accidents today, it serves as a poignant reminder that road safety remains a critical issue that needs ongoing attention. Whether it’s distracted driving, speeding, or poor weather conditions, each accident presents an opportunity to learn and improve road safety measures.
To help you in this tedious situation, contact us at Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Edmonton for professional guidance. Find comfort in these trying times as you work for the rights that you deserve.
FAQs
Here are the condensed steps to find a reputable car accident lawyer near you:
- Personal Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions.
- Online Reviews: Check websites like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google Reviews for ratings and testimonials.
- Local Bar Association: Utilize their lawyer referral services to find professionals in car accident cases.
- Consult Other Attorneys: If you’ve previously worked with a lawyer for another matter, ask them for recommendations.
- Free Initial Consultations: Take advantage of free consultations to gauge a lawyer’s suitability for your case.
- Check Track Record: Inquire about their experience and past settlements during the consultation.
- Fee Structure: Confirm if they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay only if you win.
- Professional Memberships: See if they belong to legal associations related to personal injury or car accident law.
- Interview Multiple Candidates: Meet with several lawyers to compare their expertise and approaches.
