Why Did the Number of Highway Traffic Fatalities Rise in the U.S.?
If you’re like most people, you are required to travel on the highway at least a few times per week if not every day to commute to work, school, etc. Highways are probably one of the more intense roadways to drive on as vehicles are all traveling at different rates of speed, and many are going beyond the legal limit. While a car accident can occur anywhere and at any given time, highways are generally where fatal accidents tend to occur.
Nearly 35,000 people lost their lives in highway accidents in 2015.
Car accident lawyers in Winston Salem, North Carolina share with you a recent update provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifying that the number of highway fatalities actually increased in 2015 by 7.2%. The last time a significant increase was recorded was back in 1966 when the number of fatalities “rose by 8.1 percent,” according to Property Casualty 360. The data provided highlights that more than 35,000 people died in a highway auto accident in the U.S. just last year.
So what happened in 2015 that has caused this major spike to occur? Car crash attorneys in Winston Salem point out that because there was an increase in employment and the price of gas went down, it gave reason for more people to be out on the roadway. And as you know, the more congested the roadways are, the more likely an accident is going to occur. Another factor that has added to this increase is that there are more young motorists out driving as well. Although busy roadways are one reason why these accidents occur, it is the behavior displayed by individuals while driving that has caused the fatality rate to skyrocket.
Some of the unlawful behavior exhibited by drivers that ultimately led to these deadly crashes included:
Texting and driving is a leading cause of many fatal car accidents.
- Failing to wear a safety restraint belt.
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Cell phone usage
- Drowsy driving
Not only are drivers at risk when traveling on the highway but also pedestrians and bicyclists as well. The NHTSA highlighted a shocking fact acknowledging that “the number of pedestrians and bicyclists who died in roadway accidents increased in 2015 more than any other year over the past 20 years.”
While police and other roadway officials work to reduce these numbers, it all comes down to the person sitting behind the wheel. Taking action and implementing safe driving is the only way innocent people will refrain from being harmed and killed as they commute in their vehicle.
While you may be doing your part, there are many other drivers out on the roadways who have yet to consider the risk they are imposing on others when they speed or use their cell phone. And if you are ever involved in a traffic accident that has left you injured, it is vital you speak with a North Carolina car accident lawyer at The Law Office of Gayle Goldsmith Tuch, P.C. You may be eligible to receive more compensation than the insurance carrier is claiming which is why you need to have an attorney review the details of your case and determine the course action that needs to be taken.
