There are more fatalities on U.S. roads and highways now than a decade ago. The National Safety Council’s latest traffic fatality estimates report that 40,200 people died in auto accidents in 2016. This number is a 6 percent rise from the number of car crash deaths in 2015 and a 14 percent two-year increase, the largest in over 50 years.
This sharp and sudden increase in traffic deaths comes despite campaigns promoting seat belt use, sober driving, text-free driving, and technology that has improved the performance of vehicles.
A few likely culprits to the increase in auto accident fatalities are:
- Distracted driving shows no signs of going away. Though voice controls are available to help drivers commit to focused driving, there are still apps to distract, like Google Maps or even FaceTime.
- A more lenient enforcement of seat belt laws, drunken driving punishments, and speeding means drivers are not at all discouraged about continuing their bad habits.
- Lower ratios of law enforcement on duty does nothing to discourage drivers from pushing the limit and speeding where they aren’t supposed to or where they once might have been pulled over for such an infraction.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that half of all traffic fatalities included car occupants who were not wearing a seat belt. Nearly a third of accidents involved drivers who were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Have you been injured or lost a loved in an auto accident?
Our attorneys have a proven record of success in getting the families of auto accident fatality victims just compensation. If you were injured or have lost a loved one in an auto accident contact our Auto Accident Attorneys now for a free consultation at 1-800-444-5309. We have offices in Scranton, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg and will travel to you.
