Whether you are a law enforcement official, firefighter or first responder, you could face various traffic accident risks on a daily basis. If you become involved in a traffic accident while performing your job duties, the crash could impact your career and your life in different ways.
Statistics show that on-the-job traffic collisions cause many serious injuries and deaths on an annual basis. Workers as well as employers must recognize accident risk factors, understand the scope of this problem and take steps to prevent accidents.
Data reveals the impact of job-related traffic accidents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that work-related traffic accidents result in more on-the-job deaths than any other factor. During 2020, over 1,000 workers died in traffic accidents that occurred on public roads and over 500 died in accidents that occurred off of public roads or while walking (pedestrian accidents).
In addition to deaths and serious injuries, work-related traffic accidents carry a heavy financial burden. In 2019, employers paid an average of $751,000 for every fatal work-related traffic accident and $75,000 for every nonfatal injury crash. Employers paid $39 billion due to job-related traffic collisions throughout 2019.
The aftermath of a job-related traffic collision
If you become hurt due to a traffic accident while working, the crash could prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently. You could struggle with pain, medical bills, the loss of your wages and mental trauma. It is crucial to carefully look into your options and resources that could make it easier for you to move forward from the traffic accident.