Traffic Related Deaths Increased Significantly in 2015

In the past few years, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed that the number of traffic fatalities on American roads have come down. However, this trend took a turn for the worse in 2015. The data shows a significant increase in the number of traffic fatalities reported.

Based on the available statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded that traffic fatalities in the first three quarters of 2015 increased by 9.3 percent over the corresponding period in 2014. In other words, this means, more than 26,000 people were killed in traffic related accidents in the first 9 months of 2015 while during the same period in 2014 23,796 traffic fatalities were reported. In absolute terms this means an increase of over 2,200 deaths.

One of the main causes of car crashes in Chicago and other places across the nation is driver error. Poor judgement and errors made by those behind the wheel are responsible for causing the vast majority of motor vehicle crashes and traffic fatalities. Driver error can take numerous forms, so it is important that we are aware of the errors that can cause crashes, and take steps to prevent these errors from causing crashes.

In 2015, one of the most common causes of car crashes was distracted driving. Texting, making phone calls, surfing the internet, watching videos or sending or reading emails were the key problems that increased the chances of a car crash. However, these were not the only distractions that increased the risk of crashes. Talking to passengers, eating or drinking while driving, day dreaming or enjoying the scenery outside can also distract the driver and increase the chances of a crash. Distracted driving not only puts the distracted driver and the passengers at risk, but also endangers the safety and well-being of those in other cars.

Drunk driving is also one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in 2015. In the United States, driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is against the law and can result in severe punishment. The consequences can be worse if the crash causes the injuries to the victims or leads to the death of one or more people involved in the crash.

Speeding is another common cause of crashes. While many people admit to speeding, most of them fail to think of it as a safety concern. Speeding is a factor in almost half of the traffic collisions across the nation, and experts are of the opinion that by eliminating speeding we can save many lives each year.

These risk factors are not something new, and have existed for many years now. However, distracted driving is a problem that is growing incessantly and causing more and more deaths. Increased population and traffic on the roadways could also be a factor, as could inclement weather.

If you have lost a loved one in a crash caused by a negligent driver, speak with one of the experienced Chicago law firms who deal with personal injury law. Call (312) 957-4166 to request a free personal injury consultation.