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[/profileleft]We recently focused on the statistics regarding fatal car accidents in the United States in 2015. Traffic fatalities climbed by 7.2 percent as compared to 2014, which represented the highest jump in nearly 50 years. Everyone hoped that this was just an anomaly. Unfortunately, it could have been the start of a troubling trend. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or the NHTSA, has released statistics regarding traffic fatalities in the United States during the first half of 2016. Those statistics reveal that traffic fatalities were higher than during the same time period in 2015.
About the Traffic Fatalities Report
Reuters published a story in recent days that discussed the announcement made by the NHTSA. Those interested can find the link to that story here. The story revealed the following facts regarding traffic fatalities in the United States:
- Traffic fatalities jumped by a factor of 10.4 percent in the first six months of 2016 as compared to the first six months of 2015.
- 17,775 people died in traffic accidents during the first half of 2016.
- The NHTSA stated that the number of deaths had reached “crisis” level.
- Vehicle miles driven rose 3.3 percent during the first half of 2016.
- Human error accounts for 94 percent of all crashes.
This news comes on the heels of what many thought of as a disastrous 2015. It’s also prompting the NHTSA to take action. The agency stated that it is now pursuing a goal of reducing traffic fatalities and injuries to zero within 30 years.
Distracted Driving Pinpointed
The biggest problem, according to experts, is that the issue of distracted driving is getting worse. Advocacy groups, governments and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to lower the number of distracted drivers that are on the road at any given time. Unfortunately, those efforts do not seem to be producing the desired effect as of yet. Clearly, the availability of distractions such as cell phones, handheld devices and even navigation systems that can be manipulated while driving is having a negative impact on overall road safety.
The Cost of Traffic Accidents In the United States
The report also states that there were more than 6 million car accidents in the United States in 2014. These crashes resulted in an overall economic loss of $836 billion. That comes to more than $130,000 per accident. If the number of traffic accidents continue to climb, the total losses faced could rise beyond $1 trillion in a single year. These costs include direct losses incurred in accidents as well as losses in productivity and other economic impacts.
The numbers involved should prompt anyone who has been wrongfully injured in a crash to take action to recover their own losses as much as possible. In many situations, the best way to do that is to obtain legal representation. If you have been harmed by the negligence or recklessness of another motorist, you need to seek the help of San Diego car accident lawyers who have been standing up for the rights of those harmed for more than a decade. Contact Gomez Trial Attorneys today to schedule a free initial consultation.
