According to U.S auto safety agency, 2016 saw a 5.6% increase in the number of traffic deaths. The records indicate that the death toll had risen to a record high of 37,461, the highest ever in the past decade. Additionally, there was a 9% increase in the number of pedestrians killed to 5,987, also the highest since 1990.
Faculties have risen by 2.6% to 1.18 deaths for every 100 million miles of driving. This number has exceeded the 2016 mileage increase. In 2015, we witnessed an 8.4 % rise in traffic deaths which was the highest ever recorded motor vehicle fatalities since 1964. Therefore, we have seen the second consecutive year of a rapid upsurge in U.S traffic deaths.
The report from the auto safety agency indicated that traffic-related deaths had dropped significantly. This ensued from the anti-rollover technology introduced by the automakers and the inclusion of airbags. Another initiative by motor companies is to include features that will assist in the reduction of rear-end crashes among other driver errors.
Before 2016, the highest number of traffic deaths was in 2017 when 41,259 lives were claimed on U.S roads. The data also reveals that last year, more bicyclist lives were lost, a 1.3% increase to make it the highest count since 1991.
The death toll on distracted drivers dropped fairly to 3,450 people, which is a 2.2% decline. Drowsy drivers’ fatalities also fell by 3.5%. Traffic distractions may arise from eating or drinking, texting on your phone, and fiddling with the navigation or stereo among others.
Unfortunately, 10,497 drivers lost their lives as a result of drunk driving, a 1.7% increase from the previous year. On the other hand, there was a 4 % increase in the total deaths caused by over speeding bringing the count to 10,111. It is sad that 2,500 lives would have been preserved if all occupants had their safety belts strapped.
The report continues to reveal that the number of senior citizen drivers killed in traffic accidents is escalating. Last year, there was an 8.2% increase in the number of persons killed in fatal collisions aged above 65 years. Motor vehicle and tech companies may capitalize on the report as they appeal to Congress to pass a law that will allow the introduction of speed self-driving vehicles into the market. Such legislation was passed unanimously by a Senate committee recently. Global Automakers chief executive John Bozella stated that this was some disheartening news.
He continued to speak about their strategy as an association to enhance road safety. He mentioned the deployment of connected vehicles, driver assists, and other automated technologies. Apparently, these techniques will shed light and curb the significant causes of traffic fatalities- impairment and human error.
According to Reuters, the Trump Government is yet to nominate someone to spearhead the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) which is currently without a stable leadership structure.
Following the rapid increase in car accidents, it is prudent to have a qualified personal injury attorney at your service right here in Melbourne, FL. This is the one person who can best represent your interests as they have a broad understanding of how the legal system works. Do not hesitate to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney whenever you need it.
