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Auto accidents a leading cause of Canadian injuries and death


The Public Health Agency of Canada says car accidents cause one-third of unscheduled hospitalizations and deaths in British Columbia and across the country. However, according to Transport Canada, nine of every 10 crashes are preventable. Most of the accidents result from not observing the rules of the road.

One of the main causes of these accidents is distracted driving, which can consist of any of the following and more:

  • Using cell phones, eating, drinking and even grooming while driving
  • Anything that takes the drivers’ focus away from the road
  • Visual, manual and cognitive distractions
  • Internal distractions caused by daydreaming and thoughts in the driver’s mind
  • External distractions originating from outside like billboards, other vehicles and adverse weather conditions
  • Speeding and aggression behind the wheel

Another main cause of Canadian auto accidents is impaired driving. Impairment endangers the lives of both the driver and others using the roads. It can be caused by alcohol and/or drugs, which could also be prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Other concerning facts according to Transport Canada:

  • Only 13% of Canadian licensed drivers are young drivers, but they are involved in 25% of road accident-related fatalities and injuries.
  • The risks of 16 to 24-year-old drivers suffering fatal car accident injuries are significantly higher than in other age groups.
  • Older adults with heart disease or cognitive disorders also face higher risks.
  • Male drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents than female drivers.

Anyone in British Columbia who suffers car accident injuries caused by another driver’s negligence could pursue financial relief through the province’s civil justice system. Those who suffer car accident-related personal injuries while south of the border might find the process to recover damages more complicated, and thus an experienced lawyer’s services in these type of cases could prove even more invaluable.