Being involved in an accident can be a traumatic experience for many people. Unfortunately, car accidents can happen anywhere, even in midsized cities.
Suffering an injury in a car accident can alter a person’s life. While some victims move on quickly, some others live with the trauma and injury forever. 
However, many people don’t realize that they are vital to preventing future accidents. With the right education and dedication, they can advocate for road safety.
This way, they can also help to reduce the number of car accidents in their location.
Assessing the Severity of the Problem
According to Forbes, 1,664,598 non-fatal car accidents occurred in the U.S. in 2022 alone. Another 4,226,677 resulted in property damages amounting to millions of dollars. By the end of the first quarter of 2024, there were about 8,650 car accident fatalities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded that about 1.19 million people die yearly from road traffic crashes. Another 20 to 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries that may lead to disabilities.
These numbers show the alarming rates of car crashes worldwide and the severity of the problem. It also indicates the need for victims and every road user to take action to reduce accidents.
How Victims Can Contribute to Reducing Car Accidents
Victims of car accidents have an exceptional perspective that puts them in the right position to educate others. Their experience allows them to advocate for road safety and protect others from experiencing the same thing.
Combining this with other efforts can create safer roads for everyone. Victims can contribute to reducing the number of car accidents by:
1. Sharing Personal Experiences
Victims can use their personal experiences with car accidents to raise awareness about road safety and educate others by sharing firsthand accounts of the accident’s impact on their lives.
Victims can also point out mistakes that many people still practice. They can write stories and blog posts about their experience. They can also speak at events to emphasize the importance of safe driving.
2. Advocating for Defensive Driving Courses
Aggressive driving, like speeding, is a contributing factor to car accidents. According to theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding caused 29% of traffic fatalities in 2022.
Defensive driving courses train drivers to identify potential dangers and avoid car accidents. Accident victims can become advocates and encourage others to enroll in these courses.
3. Pushing for Stronger Traffic Laws
Accident victims can start or join campaigns to advocate for stronger traffic laws. They can help stabilize laws around speeding, drunk driving, and distractions while driving.
This can significantly reduce accidents in small cities and big towns across the country. A good example for this is organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which was founded by a victim of drunk driving. This organization has helped reduce the number of accidents due to drunk driving through their work.
4. Supporting and Promoting Technology
Innovations like automated braking systems and advanced driver assistance systems are now entering the automobile industry.
Accident victims can support and promote these life-saving innovations by educating others. This would help others see the benefits of these tools and how to use them properly.
5. Seeking Financial Compensation
Asking for financial compensation can indirectly reduce the number of car accidents. When victims seek compensation through legal action, it emphasizes the damages caused by such accidents.
In return, it can pressure lawmakers and authorities to implement stricter safety rules and traffic laws. You can call their attention to the need for better road infrastructure.
What Next?
Whether you are an accident victim or not, the pointers listed in this article can show you how to advocate for better laws, better road design and help reduce car accidents.
