The Allstate Insurance Company conducted an analysis of auto claims from 200 cities across the country a few years back. These cities were ranked by Allstate, with Buffalo’s drivers being deemed to be among the worst in New York.
This startling statistic might be easy to ignore and attribute to the harsh winter conditions in Buffalo. This would be a mistake as Allstate’s study adjusted the stats for rain. Even worse, New York’s 2nd-largest City might have done worse if they hadn’t.
You have probably seen these aggressive drivers if you live in Buffalo or work there. Motor vehicle and car accidents are all too common in Nickel City. This is why you might need to consult a Buffalo lawyer to help you.
How does Buffalo, NY rank on the U.S. Cities List?
Buffalo was ranked 148th out of 200 American cities in the crash data analysis. According to this study, a Buffalo driver was involved in a car accident approximately every eight years. To provide some perspective, it is noted that the average American driver is likely to be involved in a car crash once each 18-year period.
What makes Buffalo’s streets so difficult to navigate safely?
Below are the top causes of car accidents in Buffalo, Western New York.
These are the Top Car Accident Causes in Buffalo
Accelerating
According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway IIHS, 29% of motor vehicle fatalities in the U.S. in 2020 were due to speeding. In the same year, more that 50% of fatal car accidents occurred on roads or streets with speeds of 55 miles an hour or higher.
According to the New York State Governor’s website speeding is often a major cause of serious crashes. 30% of fatal crashes in the Empire State are due to drivers who exceed posted speed limits.
Buffalo drivers face two problems when they speed too fast.
- Speeding can reduce a driver’s ability to react quickly. It is more likely that an accident will occur if you have less time to react than if you are driving in a slower vehicle.
- Accidents can cause more damage than expected due to the increased velocity.
Weather Incidents
Buffalo is known for its annual lake effect snow totals of more than 95 in. The unique location of Buffalo at the Niagara River’s top is responsible for the impressive snowfall.
People who grew up on Buffalo’s snowy roads are well aware of the importance of controlling their vehicles in these conditions. Even experienced drivers can get into a collision with another driver when they lose control on slippery roads.
Driving in bad weather conditions can pose a danger to everyone on the road, including passengers.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving poses a serious threat to all road users, particularly those living in high-risk areas like Buffalo. Distracted driving can include texting while driving, talking to passengers, listening to loud music, daydreaming and eating while driving.
The IIHS estimates that approximately 6% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2020 were caused by someone driving distracted. 12 percent of these distracted drivers were also using their phones in some manner. Around 2/3 of distracted drivers lost in thought, or daydreaming.
It is important to avoid distractions while driving defensively. You can do this by being more aware of distractions that could distract you from the road and traffic.
Driving under the Influence (DUIs).
According to the N.Y., New York’s drunk drivers are known as “drunk drivers”. According to the N.Y. Police, drunk drivers are responsible for more than 17,000 deaths each year. A driver who has a Blood Alcohol Concentration of (BAC).08% or more is considered drunk driving. Alcohol is responsible for more than 30% of all fatal car accidents in New York. This translates into –
- Every half hour, a DUI victim is killed.
- A serious injury happens approximately every two minutes.
Unfortunately, Buffalo has a long history of car accidents caused by drivers who are Driving under the Influence. This could include alcohol, drugs or a combination. Recent statistics on Buffalo’s DUI incidents show that the city’s DUI rate is rising.
An study from several years back found that Buffalo’s DUI deaths increased significantly over a period of three years, doubling to 2.17 deaths per 100,000 people. This is the highest increase in DUI fatalities among all large cities in the Empire State of New York.
The highest DUI crash rate is found in Buffalo, New York’s western region.
Drowsy Driving
The NHTSA reported that 633 deaths were caused by drunk drivers in 2020. Drowsy driving was responsible for 1.6% total traffic deaths in that year. ( Page18 NHTSA Crash Statistics) But, the number of deaths due to driving while asleep was lower than the previous year.
Buffalo Car Accidents – The Bottom Line
It can be overwhelming to manage the trauma of a car accident. This is especially true when a car accident results in the death of a loved.
To pursue justice, you need to speak with experienced car accident lawyers as soon as possible after the event. Expert attorneys who specialize in motor vehicle and car accidents can help you navigate your way to recovery and create a plan for the future.
How Many Buffalo, NY Car Accidents Happen? was originally published by Attorney at Law Magazine.