Although 2014 traffic fatalities decreased, estimated traffic fatalities have risen in the first half of 2015. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sees this increase as a need to address dangerous behaviors on American roads.
The number of people who died in vehicle collisions dropped to 32,675 in 2014. This is a 0.1 percent decline from 2013. However, an estimated 8.1 percent increase in the first six months of 2015 occurred and it is a 4.4 percent rise from the previous year.
Additionally, cyclists and pedestrians comprised a greater portion of the 32,675 fatalities in 2014.
The reversing trend for 2015 is troubling. According to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, law enforcement, government, safety advocates, drivers and vehicle manufacturers must come together to address these traffic safety threats.
The NHTSA will be holding regional meetings to gather information and look at behavioral issues that factor into highway fatalities. They have also recently put out safety initiatives to combat drowsy driving, improve highway conditions for pedestrians and hasten technological creations to improve road safety.
Other 2014 crash information reveals that drunk driving was responsible for about a third of all fatalities, about half of passenger fatalities resulted from not wearing seat belts and distracted driving made up 10 percent of the total crash deaths. Overall, human error is responsible for 94 percent of collisions, rather than vehicle or roadway related causes.
The NHTSA believes an almost flat number for 2014 traffic fatalities and a rise in traffic deaths for 2015 is not acceptable. The focus must be on reducing fatal collisions.
If you have been in a Knoxville car accident and sustained serious injuries or lost a loved one because of a negligent driver, contact the Knoxville car accident lawyers of Greg Coleman Law today. A personal injury attorney from our Knoxville office will fight to get you justice.
Call (865) 247-0080 today or fill out our FREE case evaluation form.
