Auto Accidents Are the Number One Cause of Death Among Young Canadians

According to a report by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), unintentional injuries, including auto accidents, are the number one cause of death among young Canadians. There is nothing more tragic than losing a child, especially when the accident could have been prevented before it ever happened.

When narrowing down the causes of unintentional injuries, automobile accidents are among the most dangerous for our nation’s most vulnerable citizens—the same report showed that motor vehicle collisions were the leading cause of injury-related deaths among children, accounting for 17% of the total.

While children may be naturally more susceptible to basic injuries than their adult counterparts, as they may not have learned as many safety practices, many of these accidents are caused through no fault of their own. When a child is injured in a car accident, the accident’s cause may not be of their own doing. However, with safer driving measures and heightened safety practices, many of these accidents could be prevented.

Causes of Auto Accidents

As safe as we strive to be, there are bound to be accidents on Canadian roadways. However, some accidents are caused by negligence, as defined by the Ontario Negligence Act. Factors such as driving too fast or not paying attention to account for countless accidents across the Canadian provinces each year.

Some causes for motor vehicle accidents include, but may not be limited to:

Distracted Driving

With more technology available to the average citizen every year, distracted driving has become a major issue on Canadian roadways. Despite movements to rid the roadways of dangerous practices like texting and driving, the problems persist. The truth is, there is no end to the ways distracted driving may occur. Between letting the mind wander, eating while driving, and adjusting the radio, many drivers find themselves focused on someplace other than the roadway.

Intoxicated Driving

Unfortunately, many Canadians still choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated every year. Whether through the consumption of drugs, alcohol, or any other controlled substance, driving while intoxicated always needlessly puts lives at risk. Intoxicated drivers are not fit to make the right choices on the roadways.

Reckless Driving

Many drivers have probably committed a small act of reckless driving over the years. However, any driving practice that does not align with the law is dangerous for other drivers on the road. This includes speeding, aggressive driving, and illegally passing other drivers. No matter the cause, it is not worth risking the lives of innocent citizens.

While there are also many natural causes for accidents on the road, such as poor weather conditions, preventable accidents are among the most troubling. Whenever a driver gets behind the wheel, they are responsible for their actions. They must also protect the lives of those around them. If they choose to operate their vehicle unwisely, they should pay the consequences, whether through criminal or civil action.

Increased Safety Measures

Considering unintentional injuries are the number one cause of death among young Canadians, such as those suffered in auto accidents, here are a few things a driver may do to help their fellow motorists. First, they should make sure to leave all mobile-related activities alone until later. After turning their mobile phone off, they should always keep a careful mind of the road conditions around them, whether it is an upcoming speed limit sign, worsening weather conditions, a construction zone, or a sudden stop in traffic.

For parents, always make sure to keep your children buckled up. In 2017, the Government of Canada, via Transport Canada, found that more than a quarter of all auto accident fatalities did not wear seat belts. Also, employing safety devices does not begin and end with cars. Ensure that your loved ones always wear their helmets whenever they use their bikes, skateboards, or scooters. Simple preventative measures may be key to your child’s well-being.

Auto Accident Lawyers Ready to Fight for Compensation

Here at Preszler Injury Lawyers, we have worked with countless clients who have had a loved one injured or killed in an auto accident. When drivers fail to protect people on our roadways, their victims may be entitled to compensation for all their pain and suffering. That may include medical bills, financial hardships, mental suffering, and much more.

To learn more, contact the team at Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE for your free initial consultation.