The North Carolina General Assembly submitted a proposal to eliminate the state’s annual vehicle inspection program. If passed, House Bill 59 would remove the requirement that owners have their automobiles examined yearly. It would also save drivers the $13.60 they must pay for the annual inspection. A requirement for emissions testing would not be eliminated.
Although the proposal appears to be gaining support in the North Carolina House, opponents are concerned that abandoning inspections will make the state’s roads more dangerous.
Opponents of the legislation have cited South Carolina’s decision to throw out its safety inspections. After South Carolina stopped requiring annual vehicle check-ups in 1995, it has regularly been listed as one of the top five states for serious car accidents.
South Carolina ended its inspection program due to complaints from garages and mechanics that the cost of these examinations exceeded the $2.50 they received for each vehicle.
Defenders of inspections believe that requiring annual vehicle checks ensures drivers make necessary repairs, keeping their cars safe and roadworthy. This is especially the case as automobiles age. When cars are inspected and repaired regularly, they are less prone to endangering other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on roads and streets.
Reasons for South Carolina’s High Accident Rate
While the lack of vehicle inspections could be one reason for South Carolina’s high automobile accident rate, other factors may also contribute. As a rural state, South Carolina has many country roads. Unfortunately, 55 percent of automobile fatalities occur in rural areas, where people tend to drive faster and medical assistance may not arrive immediately.
With fewer police officers assigned to rural areas, intoxicated drivers, speeders and those who don’t wear seatbelts are also less likely to be caught. These conditions may come together to make collisions happen at a higher rate.
Need Legal Help?
Automobile crashes can occur for many reasons. Our South Carolina auto accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm understand that no matter the cause, a collision can have physical, emotional and financial repercussions for all involved. That’s why we’re always ready to fight for your rights if you or someone you love is the victim of a motor vehicle crash. Contact us for a free consultation at 877-941-2615 or fill out our convenient online form today.
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