Has anyone else noticed an increase in car accidents and poor drivers?

[NNN0LHI]

In my area it is like I am unable to leave the house without seeing at least one car accident during my drive. I don't know if it the people are overworked, overtired, pissed off, or just always in a hurry now? Or maybe a combination of a lot of things?

I used to marvel at the driving capability of professional truck drivers. They were always the best drivers on the road, but lately even many of them are driving terrible. Usually the young cowboys. Not so much the older drivers.

I am not sure whats going on, but I used to come upon an automobile accident very rarely where I live. Maybe once a year if that. Now its almost a daily occurrence. Bad accidents too. Usually with multiple injuries. And people don't even stop for the accidents in front of them either. Last night a 4 car accident happened right in front of us and several idiots just hit the gas and went around and between the disabled cars like they where in a NASCAR race or something. It was unbelievable.

Is this just happening around where I live or is this everywhere?

Don

[Pacifist Patriot]

1. Yes, but in my area I know why...

car density on the road. More cars in the same amount of space.

[donco6]

2. I dunno,

but around here, the speed limit seems to have vanished. People go whatever speed they want. If you don't drive 85, you're going to be run over. That would account for more and more serious accidents.

[leftchick]

3. my guess

cell phones. Yes I have seen an increase as well.

[Dogmudgeon]

4. The Media are paying more attention to them

I don't know why they are, and I am not sure there is any significance to it. But the old journalists' saying, "If it Bleeds, It Leads" is still in force.

--p!

[patrice]

5. Yes.

I have been noticing more accidents than I used to see and I've been driving around this area for my whole life.

[etherealtruth]

6. My AM commute became more treacherous ...

... after the time change. It seems to be finally evening out (to it's usual "danger level").

Have no idea where you live but metro Detroit has, for all intents and purposes, NO mass transit system; therefore, I see no chance for improvement.

[NNN0LHI]

9. I live in a rural area of northern Illinois. 60 miles south of Chicago n/t

[flamin lib]

11. Yes, the month after daylight savings makes the change

accidents of all kinds increase 10-12%. Most Americans (can't speak for others) are sleep deprived anyway and the added stress of changing sleep habits only that small amount makes a difference.

[NNN0LHI]

13. I noticed the increase of accidents and poor drivers several months ago

Not just in the past few weeks. Though the time change may be one of the contributing factors I don't think it explains it all.

Don

[shadowknows69]

7. I used to drive taxi 12 hours a day

about 10 years ago and I can safely say the number of stupid drivers(cell phones don't help) has grown exponentially.

[Ripley]

8. Yes it is really bad here in the Southeast.

I don't think they teach driver's ed any more. And it must be just a written test for truck drivers these days.

No one stops at red lights or stop signs around here. A couple of Sundays ago I saw an SUV kill a guy on his motorcycle. Perfect sunny day, good visibility, not too much traffic. Scary.

[Ivan Sputnik]

10. Truck drivers often don't get enough sleep

and I think the situation is getting worse for them with the rise in fuel costs.

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

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[solinvictus]

14. Driver's education was taken out of schools..

I'd believe that was a causal connection as well.