Rising Traffic Fatalities
Traffic fatalities rose in 2016 by 5.6 percent from the year before, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The last year with more fatalities happened in 2007, and even worse, 2017 numbers, which are not yet available, are projected to be even higher than 2016. What is causing this increase in traffic collisions, which lead to serious injuries and fatalities, when cars are supposedly becoming safer? If you or a loved one was injured in a traffic collision, you need to contact a High Point car accident lawyer at once for legal assistance.
Causes of Recent Uptick in Danger Throughout U.S. Roadways
Sadly, 37,461 people were killed in traffic collisions in 2016. This comes in spite of “smarter” and safer cars that are outfitted with cameras, motion detection devices, better braking systems, and crash prevention systems like lane departure or pedestrian detection. However, none of these advancements are able to stop the increase in collisions that the nation has been seeing in the past few years, which are stemming from:
- Distracted driving caused by cell phone use, GPS devices, and vehicle touchscreen systems
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Aggressive driving
- More cars on the road
Most Vulnerable Groups Have Biggest Increases in Fatalities
Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists are getting hit harder, literally, than passenger vehicle occupants during this new age of distracted, impatient, and aggressive drivers. Pedestrian fatalities made up the biggest increase from 2015 to 2016, with 5,987 being killed by drivers. This represents a nine percent increase and the most pedestrians killed since 1990. 5,286 motorcyclists were killed, representing a 5.1 percent increase in deaths from the previous year. And, 840 bicyclists were killed, which is the highest number since 1991.
If You Were Injured in a Traffic Collision, Call a Lawyer Today
Victims of traffic collisions deserve to be compensated by the negligent party that caused the wreck. Compensation includes payment for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, lost ability to earn an income, disfigurement, property damage, and much more. However, to be fairly compensated, you need to work with an attorney. Do not accept an offer from the negligent party’s insurance provider without first consulting with a High Point lawyer, as that offer will likely be far less than what is at stake. Reach out to the compassionate attorneys of McAllister, Aldridge & Kreinbrink, PLLC at our High Point law offices today.