According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fatalities as a result of car accidents have increased by 14 percent and injuries have increased by one-third nationally in the first half of this year. If that trend holds true for the remainder of the year, we could see an excess of 40,000 traffic-related deaths for the first time since 2007, which recorded almost 44,000 fatalities.
If your loved one has died because of the negligence of another driver, our auto accident lawyers can help you get the justice you deserve.
The Transportation Department has stated that through May, the death toll has been on a steady increase for 15 consecutive months. Lower gas prices, lower unemployment rates and a stronger economy could be contributing to the increase.
According to the NSC, about 19,000 people died in auto accidents through June, which does not include the two months with the highest historical number of deaths: July and August.
Questions remain, however, as to why there has been such an increase in the number of deaths. Data shows that Americans drove 1.26 trillion miles from January through May, which surpassed the previous record of 1.23 trillion set in May 2007. However, the cumulative increase in mileage for that time period is much less than the 14 percent increase in deaths.
Furthermore, the number of deaths caused by drunk driving is down to 30 percent of all auto accidents, teen deaths have decreased, seatbelt use is up and cars have better safety technology than ever before.
At the same time, the increase in deaths could be attributed to many states raising speed limits and increasing distractions from cellphones and other devices.
Regardless of the cause, it is tragic news that more people are losing their lives due to auto accidents. Our injury lawyers know first-hand the devastation that this can bring and we are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve.