According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there was an eight percent increase in traffic fatalities last year. That is the biggest year-to-year increase in 50 years.
If you have lost a loved one in a crash, you need an accomplished South Bend car accident lawyer by your side who can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have decades of experience fighting for the rights of the injured and can help you with your claim.
Increase in Traffic Deaths Linked to Human Error
Approximately 35,200 people died in car accidents in 2015 compared to 32,675 in 2014. Pedestrian and bicycle accidents had the most significant increase.
The U.S. Transportation Secretary said that all Americans should be able to safely walk, ride or drive to their desired locations. The Transportation Department is looking at information to figure out what factors contributed to the death toll, while also testing new safety technologies.
Since 94 percent of traffic accidents are linked to human error, the NHTSA is looking to place more focus on improving human behavior to avoid crashes. The NHTSA is making a concerted effort to improve dangerous behaviors like driving while impaired, lack of child or booster seats, and failing to buckle up. Researchers also said that increasing alcohol taxes and instituting graduated licensing requirements could prevent car accident fatalities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, while auto crash fatalities dropped during the last 14 years, the United States crash rate rose higher than similar high-income countries like Sweden and Spain.
Spain reduced their crash fatalities by 75 percent and the U.S. experienced the smallest reduction. If the U.S. had the same rate of traffic fatalities as Sweden, 24,000 Americans would not have lost their lives in 2013.
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident with a negligent driver, contact a South Bend injury attorney from Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak today. Schedule your free claim review and find out if you are entitled to file a lawsuit. We will review the details of your accident and help you get any compensation owed to you.
Contact us today by calling (574) 444-0741.
