After years of relative calm on the roads, 2015 is seeing a major increase in traffic deaths. According to an article in the News & Observer, deaths were up 14 percent and injuries were up 33% in the first six months of the year.
If the trend continues, traffic deaths this year could exceed 40,000 for the first time since 2007, when there were nearly 44,000 deaths, [Deborah A.P. Herman, president of the National Safety Council] said in an interview. The increases began in the last quarter of 2014 and have been recorded consistently through each month of this year, Hersman said.
What’s causing the increase? There are several theories. Some blame the higher speed limits in a number of states. Others worry that distracted driving–people using cell phones to talk or text–could be the cause. A recent report by the National Safety Council found that 25% of all crashes involve cellphone use.
What is a little surprising is that newer cars have a lot of safety features that should help prevent accidents. The problem is that many people don’t know how to use them, don’t understand them, or rely on them too much so that they lose their natural driving instincts. (There’s a great website that demonstrates how to best use the newer features here: https://mycardoeswhat.org)
If you have been involved in a traffic accident and would like to discuss your legal options, feel free to call HensonFuerst Attorneys anytime at 800-4-LAWMED, or visit our website for more information: www.lawmed.com. If you have questions, HensonFuerst has answers.