Motor Vehicle Deaths on the Rise

With technology continually progressing, our society has access to more advanced safety features on the road than ever before, yet 2016 may have seen the most car accident fatalities than any other year since 2007. As many as 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016, a 14% increase from 2014, according to the preliminary data gathered by the National Safety Council. An additional 4.5 million people required medical attention because of injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents in 2016. So, what is causing this rise? If we have better technology and safer cars, why are the roads more dangerous now than ever? Unfortunately, it seems unsafe driving practices are to blame for the rise in motor vehicle fatalities. Studies show a startling percentage of drivers remain confident enough in their driving abilities to break traffic laws while driving, despite the known danger. After surveying drivers, the National Safety Council found that, while 83% found driving to be a safety concern, 64% felt comfortable driving above the speed limit, 47% text manually or through voice controls, and 10% believe they can drive while impaired by alcohol (13% by marijuana). Not coincidentally, the biggest causes of fatalities on the road are alcohol, speeding, and distracted driving. Not only do these unsafe driving practices cause a staggering number of fatalities, they also cost society a pretty penny. Medical expenses and other damages caused by motor vehicle accidents in 2016 cost an estimated total of $432 billion dollars. But, this isn’t the norm among other wealthy countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the U.S. reported more than double the average motor vehicle crash death rate than other comparable high-income countries in 2013. On average, about 90 people die in the U.S. each day because of crashes, more than any other high-income country. At the Law Offices of Malouf & Malouf, PLLC, we aim to protect drivers and we hope that our clients stay safe on the road. If, however, you are in a car accident because of someone else’s carelessness, such as drunk driving, distracted driving, or breaking traffic laws, we want to help you seek the compensation you deserve. For a complimentary consultation contact the Law Offices of Malouf & Malouf, PLLC.   Read more car accident articles here