Fatal crash on I-81 claims the life of an Ontario woman

A deadly crash near the Dickson City exit of Interstate 81 in Lackawanna County claimed the life of a 58-year old woman from Ontario, Canada on Monday. The woman was in the rear passenger seat of the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire when the vehicle she was riding in struck a stone embankment after swerving off the road, according to police reports.

Although vehicle safety has improved, as well as improved safety measures on our nation’s roadways, the number of car accidents in this country is still staggering. According to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), passenger vehicle occupant fatalities increased in 2012 after they declined six years in a row from 2005 to 2011. 33,561 lives were lost in crashes on our nation’s roadways in 2012 as compared to 32,479 in 2011. Pennsylvania also saw an increase in fatalities in 2012, with a total of 1,310. Alcohol-Impaired Driving continues to be a major contributor to crashes. Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased by 4.6 percent in 2012, accounting for 31% of the overall crash fatalities.

In 2012, an estimated 2.36 million people were injured in motor vehicle crashes, according to NHTSA’s National Automotive Sampling System. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death in this country, and a new study by the CDC found that unintentional injury, such as car accidents and falls, are the leading cause of death for ages 1 to 34.

Your safety, your life and the lives of others all depend on the choices you make behind the wheel. There are 3 major causes of car crashes that you as a driver can control to help reduce your risk of accidents. They are:

• Drunk Driving – Driving under the influence is hazardous and irresponsible. Don’t drink and drive. Designate a sober driver or pre-arrange for a ride home. If one of your friends is drinking, take their keys.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving– According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents today. Slow down and give yourself plenty of time to reach our destination.
• Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in this country. Talking on cell phones, texting, using other electronic devices, eating, and even talking are just some of the ways you can become distracted when behind the wheel. USA Today reported that the National Safety Council’s “Injury Facts” report found that the use of cellphones causes 26% of the nation’s car accidents. Put your cell phone down and pay attention to the road.

If you have suffered serious injuries in a car crash on I-81 or any major highway, call the Pennsylvania auto accident attorneys at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. The personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have had more than 50 years of experience in handling car accident lawsuits in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Call 855-866-5529 or visit www.munley.com.

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