The United States has higher car accident rates than many other countries – and almost every country in Europe. Why? One reason is that more people drive in the United States, while more Europeans take advantage of public transportation. Keep reading to learn reasons this is true. If you are involved in a car accident, or a public transportation accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
Americans Drove Cars Earlier Than Other Countries
On average, Americans had motorized vehicles earlier than in European countries. This was due in large part to the fact that there was more personal wealth in the U.S. Consider that in the middle of the 1930s, there was one vehicle for every two households in this country, while cars were still primarily owned by the upper crust in Europe.
Road Standards Are Higher in the United States
Since cars became popular here earlier than they did in Europe, governments and city planners were more easily able to adapt to the needs of drivers. You will find more roadways, better parking, and higher usage of traffic signals in the United States to this day because cities and roads were built here at the same time, while roads followed cities in Europe.
Europe Has Higher Taxes
Generally speaking, the average car owner in Europe will have to pay higher taxes to own and operate their vehicle than the average person in Europe will pay more to buy and operate their vehicle. This makes it cost-prohibitive for younger people and those with lower incomes.
The United States Has the Interstate Highway System
Many people in the States do not realize just how special the Interstate Highway System is. It moves through most of the major cities and makes it very easy to get from one city to another, and to and through suburban residential areas. On the other hand, European highways are more commonly between two different cities and not connected to other highways. This makes it harder to take a car to a faraway city or country.
Europe Has Better Public Transit
While there are exceptions, most cities in the United States do not have the robust public transit systems that are often seen in Europe. Many of the transit systems that do exist in this country are privately owned and only travel where it is lucrative to do so. In Europe, public transit is heavily subsidized and goes to many more places.
The simple fact is this: Europeans drive less than Americans do and therefore there are more car accidents in the United States. If you are involved in one, and you require a legal consultation with a personal injury attorney, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 right away.
