In response to the tragic accident earlier this year in which a loose manhole cover struck and killed a woman, Mass Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has decided to step up its roadway inspections. Kristina Egan, director of Transportation for Massachusetts said that about a quarter of the state’s roads are unsafe or inadequate. Bad roads are dangerous for cars, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians alike.
MassDOT plans to increase its capital investment in the road system over the next few years, focusing on the repair of roadways, and including an effort to properly secure manhole covers. Currently a percentage of manhole covers are not securely bolted. While the initial police investigation into the accident identified a loose manhole cover as the cause, MassDOT has not yet taken responsibility for the tragedy.
Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in the Commonwealth and throughout the United States. While poor road conditions or road obstacles do account for a percentage of the State’s fatalities, drunk and distracted driving, speeding and inexperience still account for a far greater percentage. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, the top causes are:
1. Distracted driving — including texting, talking on phone, using a handheld device;
2. Speeding
3. Drunk Driving — or driving under the influence of drugs;
4. Reckless Driving
5. Weather — particularly rain, sleet and fog;
6. Running Red Lights
7. Running Stop Signs
8. Youth — young drivers 17-24 have the most accidents as an age group;
Recent figures do indicate a steady decline in fatal accidents, due to both increased awareness and the addition of more sophisticated car safety features, but human error still causes most avoidable road deaths. A reckless driver that causes an accident may be liable for the damage that accident causes, including medical bills, lost wages and car replacement or repair.
If you or someone you know is injured in an accident, you may be able to collect money to compensate for your injuries. A personal injury attorney at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. is available to assist you with your case. Call 1-855-PSRBLAW or 1-800-785-5399 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We want you to get the maximum compensation possible.