Traffic fatalities have been on the rise in the past 18 months. In 2015, the U.S. saw the largest year-over-year increase in car accident deaths in 50 years, while traffic deaths in the first half of this year were nine percent higher than in the first six months of 2015.
The increase has prompted multiple regulatory organizations under the Department of Transportation (DOT) to join forces to form the Road to Zero Coalition to end fatal car crashes by 2046.
The coalition consists of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These organizations will also work with the National Safety Council (NSC).
In addition to promoting proven strategies for reducing deaths from traffic accidents, the coalition will lead the creation of a comprehensive, systematic strategy for eliminating traffic deaths.
The main areas of focus for the coalition will be education, engineering, enforcement and emergency medical services, according to Deborah A.P. Hersman, CEO of the NSC.
The DOT will assist the coalition by paying out $1 million per year in grants for the next three years to support organizations that are working to address the problem.
Even though eliminating all traffic deaths seems very ambitious, if not impossible, DOT officials think that it is becoming increasingly possible given the rise in automated vehicles and related safety technologies.
Achieving this goal will require drivers, safety organizations, governments and those in the automotive industry to have a strong commitment to driver safety, says U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Fox.
Fatal car accidents are often caused by negligent drivers who are under the influence, fail to pay attention to the road or are engaged in some other reckless behavior. In these situations, the law allows victims to recover compensation for medical care, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact our skilled car accident lawyers in South Bend today to review your claim in a 100-percent free consultation.
Contact a personal injury lawyer today at (574) 444-0741.
