Wilmington police are concerned about the rising number of car accident fatalities. The area is ranked as one of North Carolina’s most dangerous places to drive, and the death toll has increased so much that it is beginning to raise even more concerns. Car accident deaths cannot be controlled only by enforcement efforts, so police are calling for motorists to use caution and diligence while on the roads.
Authorities believe that when a driver breaks the law, the odds of getting in an accident increase dramatically. During the current year, two drivers were killed when involved in an accident while driving on the wrong side of the road, and one was killed while speeding and under the influence of drugs. Drunk driving has also taken a toll on the number of accident fatalities this year, with 15 for the city and 17 for the county.
Over the years, authorities have cracked down on enforcing traffic laws and drunk driving. Every week the police examine maps where the majority of car accidents occurred and send officers to patrol those spots. They monitor radars and drivers, searching for driving habits that could be considered unsafe. While not every accident can be prevented, enforcement is a tool that can be successful in the prevention of traffic-related deaths.
However, enforcement cannot help drivers who choose to engage in unsafe behaviors while on Wilmington Roads. The car accident fatality total has not reached a record high yet, but the numbers concern law enforcement officers. Those engaging in unsafe behaviors or law violations while driving are more likely to become involved in a fatal car accident. Safety and diligence on the road can help cut down the number of Wilmington accidents tremendously.
Source: StarNewsOnline.com, “Police concerned about rise in traffic deaths,” Brian Freskos, May 10, 2012
