Traffic Fatalities Numbers Increased in 2016

February 22, 2017

According to preliminary figures from the National Safety Council (NSC), an estimated 40,000 people were killed in fatal auto accidents in 2016, marking a six percent increase from the previous year and a 14 percent rise since 2014.

2016 displayed the largest two-year rise in traffic fatalities in 53 years and was the deadliest year on U.S. roadways since 2007.

Approximately 4.6 million motorists and passengers also sustained injuries in auto accidents that were severe enough to require medical attention, which amounted to an estimated $432 billion in expenses.

One of the concerns NSC officials have regarding the high number of traffic deaths experienced in 2016 is driver attitude toward dangerous behaviors that create a high-risk of causing fatal auto collisions.

The NSC surveyed drivers to analyze their behaviors and the risks they found acceptable to take when operating a vehicle.

NSC researchers found that 83 percent of the drivers surveyed have concerns about safety when driving. However, a large portion of those interviewed also regularly engage in dangerous behaviors:

• Speeding: 64 percent of drivers surveyed
• Texting while driving: 47 percent of drivers surveyed
• Driving under the influence of marijuana: 13 percent of drivers surveyed
• Driving while impaired by alcohol: 10 percent of drivers surveyed

With the increase in motorist deaths, the NSC is asking for immediate integration of life-saving, preventative measures such as:

• Requiring ignition interlock devices for convicted drunk drivers
• Utilizing automated enforcement techniques to catch speeders
• Extending laws to ban cellphone use to all drivers instead of solely focusing on teens
• Improving seat belt laws from secondary to primary enforcement
• Implementing a three-tiered licensing system that would ease novice drivers under the age of 21-years-old into less risky driving situations and decrease accidents caused by teen driver
• Accelerating the incorporation of automotive safety technology in newly manufactured automobiles
• Passing more efficient motorcycle helmet laws
• Adopting stronger pedestrian safety programs

Engaging in distracting and dangerous behaviors when operating a vehicle increases the risk of causing a fatal accident.

Those who have been injured or have suffered a loss because of a negligent driver can contact the Phoenix car accident attorneys at the Phillips Law Group to explore your legal options.

Your initial consultation is free and comes with no obligations, and our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means we will not charge you any legal fees unless we succeed in recovering compensation for your claim.

If you or someone you love has been in a car accident, call 1-800-706-3000 .