New Mexico is a scenic state that has a lot to offer to both tourists and residents. Many people travel the New Mexico highways to explore all that the state has to offer. However, as a result, the roads are often filled with out-of-state drivers, inexperienced drivers, and fatigued/distracted drivers. All of those combined with potentially dangerous conditions can lead to deadly situations.
Throughout the United States, the number of accidents and accident-related deaths varies greatly. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety releases data that tracks state population compared to vehicle miles traveled, fatal crashes, and deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. New Mexico is one of the states where these numbers are extremely high. As of 2014, New Mexico’s population was 2,085,572, and the vehicle miles traveled were 25,347,000. The number of fatal crashes was 337, and there were 383 deaths. These numbers translate to about 18.4 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.51 deaths per million vehicle miles traveled. These numbers are startling and among the highest in the country.
Furthermore, the Institute tracks deaths by crash type and state. The most recent statistics from 2014 reveal that New Mexico had about 242 single-vehicle crashes and 141 multiple-vehicle crashes. Most interestingly, New Mexico was behind only one other state, Oklahoma, in accidents that involved large trucks. It is important that individuals understand and consider these statistics when driving on New Mexico roadways.
New Mexico Head-On Collision Results in Multiple Fatalities
Last month, a tragic head-on collision resulted in the deaths of two women and critical injuries to two men. The accident occurred early in the morning on New Mexico Highway 26, equidistant between Hatch and Deming. According to a report by the New Mexico State Police, the driver of one of the cars had a front passenger and a backseat passenger. The driver and her mother, who was in the front seat, were both killed at the scene. The driver’s 12-year-old child was in the back seat. The driver of the other vehicle was airlifted in critical condition to a hospital in El Paso, and another man was also in critical condition at a local hospital.
Initial investigations by State Police revealed that all of the passengers were wearing seatbelts, and alcohol is not believed to be involved. Following the accident, the highway was shut down for several hours as the investigation proceeded. At this point, the investigation is still on-going, and no charges have been pursued.
Have You Been Injured in a Head-On Collision in New Mexico?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in New Mexico, you should strongly consider contacting one of the experienced Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at the Fine Law Firm. An attorney at the Fine Law Firm can assist you in developing your case and zealously advocating for the compensation you deserve. If you are successful, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the injuries and pain and suffering you endured. Contact an attorney at the Fine Law Firm today at 800-640-6590 to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Foreseeability as an Element of a New Mexico Negligence Claim, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, June 3, 2016.
State Court Holds Recreational Immunity Does Not Apply to Hot-Air Balloon Company Providing Free Rides on Another’s Property, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, May 4, 2016.