Traffic safety advocates are attributing the 14 percent increase of fatal auto accidents between 2014 and 2016 to motorists’ complacency and dangerous driving behaviors.
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that more than 40,000 motorists, passengers and pedestrians died in traffic accidents in 2016. The number of fatalities could still increase once the all of the data has been confirmed.
The NSC’s preliminary data of fatal traffic accidents revealed that 2016 was the deadliest year for U.S. roadways since 2007.
In a recent NSC survey, 83 percent of participating drivers feel that safety is a major concern behind the wheel. However, a significant portion of those surveyed revealed they are still engaging in risky and dangerous driving behaviors:
- 64 percent said they are comfortable exceeding speed limits
- 47 percent said they drive and text, either manually or by using voice controls
- 15 percent admitted to operating a vehicle while impaired by marijuana
- 10 percent revealed to have driven after consuming too much alcohol
The habits of younger drivers have also contributed to the 2016 traffic fatality rate as a more millennials are able to afford the cost of driving and maintain a vehicle.
Teen drivers have the highest accident fatality rate per miles driven, and 88 percent of young millennial drivers admit to having performed one or more risky driving behavior within the last 30 days, according to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Risky driving behaviors and driver apathy are not the only factors contributing to the rise in traffic deaths.
As the economy began recovered from the recession, more people were able to frequently travel longer distances more often. This follows a trend of traffic fatality spikes that occur during economically stable years following recessions, as lower gas prices and high job growth increase auto travel.
If you are suffering from the loss of a loved one who was killed in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may have legal options that entitle compensation through a lawsuit. Our Knoxville auto accident attorneys can help you file a claim that may provide much needed financial support for lost wages, medical expenses, funeral costs, and pain and suffering.
Our injury attorneys can discuss your potential legal options in a free consultation that comes with no obligation of retaining our services. All of our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and will not charge you any fees unless we recover compensation for your claim.
Call (865) 247-0080 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form for a free, no-obligation legal consultation.
