How many people will be killed in crashes in 2017? If the latest statistics are any indication, far too many.
In 2015, the last full year for which stats are available, there was a “large increase” in crash deaths. That’s according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency charged with “keeping people safe on America’s roadways.”
Would you believe that over 35,000 people lost their lives in road crashes in 2015 alone? That was an increase of 7.2 percent, “the largest percentage increase in nearly 50 years.” Think about all the advances in car safety we’ve had since the mid-1960s:
- Head rests;
- Automatic braking systems;
- Electronic stability control;
- Airbags;
- “Energy-absorbing steering wheels”;
- Shatter-resistant glass;
- Seat belts;
- Better-marked roads; and
- More center and side guard rails.
There have also been hoards of educational campaigns designed to inform the driving public of hazards they can choose to avoid, like drunk driving, distracted driving, child seat use, and seat belt use.
Despite all of these positive improvements, and even accounting for road miles driven, the fatality rate jumped substantially.
According the NHTSA, deaths in several crash types increased in 2015, when compared to 2014:
- Rollovers in crashes involving multiple vehicles;
- Crashes involving multiple vehicles without rollovers; and
- Single-vehicle crashes.
When reviewing the choices drivers make that might lead to fatalities, one stands out: distracted driving. While the overall death rate jumped 7.2 percent, distraction-affected fatalities spiked even higher, at 8.8 percent.
Alcohol use was also a substantial factor. However, the death rates in this category increased only for those driving passenger cars (by 5 percent) and light utility trucks (by 2.3 percent). California was one of 35 states that saw an increase in alcohol-related fatalities. Here in the Golden State, 3,176 people were killed as the result of alcohol-impaired driving. That is an increase of 4.3 percent from 2014.
Let’s work together to reduce the factors that contribute to road fatalities and make better choices in 2017.
The experienced accident lawyers at Alexander Law Group, LLP have the skills and experience to assure that you receive the compensation you and your family deserve for any damages you have suffered in an accident of any kind. Delay can result in the permanent loss of personal injury rights. Don’t put it off. Contact us online or call now: 888.777.1776.
