Car accidents are a concern for everyone on the road in Texas and throughout the U.S. Statistics are useful in knowing what and who to watch for when driving, riding a bicycle, jogging, or as a pedestrian. The number of crashes is relevant, but the perceived causes of these accidents is also vital. It is unfortunate that many accidents will result in a fatality. For those who have suffered the loss of a loved one in a fatal car crash, having a grasp of the research can be important when considering seeking compensation through a legal filing.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its latest numbers for automobile accidents and fatalities from 2016. It was found that there was a rise of 5.6 percent from the prior year. Nearly 37,500 people were killed in the U.S. Strangely, this is an improvement from 2014 to 2015 when the increase was 8.4 percent. But it is still worrisome. The immediate reaction to this information is to believe that distracted driving was a main culprit. The truth is that distracted driving fatalities had reduced by 2.2 percent in 2016.
Three factors were prominent in the increase in numbers for a fatal car crash in 2016: drivers operating under the influence, speeding, and people failing to wear a seat belt. DUI accidents with fatalities were up by 1.7 percent. Speeding fatalities had increased by 4 percent. People who died while not wearing a seat belt were up 4.9 percent. Those who were not even in vehicles at the time – motorcycle riders, bicycle riders and pedestrians – were subject to an increase from 2015. Nearly 500 pedestrians died – this was the highest number since 1990 and a 9 percent increase from 2015. 840 bicyclists died – the most since 1991.
The total number of deaths on the road is substantially lower than it was 10 years ago, even with this recent increase. That is believed to be due to safer vehicles. However, the rise in accidents across the spectrum is concerning and distracted driving is not viewed as the biggest problem. After a fatal car crash, the reason it happened is one of the most important factors when seeking compensation in a legal filing. An investigation is crucial. For help, discussing the case with an attorney experienced in wrongful death is key.
Source: theverge.com, “A lot of people died on US roads in 2016, but distracted driving in down,” Andrew J. Hawkins, Oct. 6, 2017
