Road Fatalities Are the Nation’s Leading Cause of Deaths

Notwithstanding an outcry about a spike in gun killings in America’s cities, road fatalities remain the nation’s leading cause of deaths, according to recently released figures.

Finalized statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal more than 37,000 people died from motor vehicle crashes in the United States, making it the nation’s leading cause of deaths.

The figures come as no surprise to our Hampton Roads car accident lawyers who help the families of those who lose their lives in tragic car accidents.

However, it’s sobering to see the increase in fatalities at a time when cars have more and more internal safety systems.

The increase in road deaths in 2016 followed a record rise in traffic deaths in 2015, which saw a 7.2 percent increase in traffic deaths from the previous year. That was the most significant year-on-year increase since 1966. The 2016 rise represented a 5.6 percent jump over the previous year.

Is Distracted and Reckless Driving Fueling the Nation’s Leading Cause of Deaths?

The steady rise in road deaths lead us to look more closely at the causes of this epidemic.

The New York Daily News suggests more miles are being driven and drivers are getting more reckless. Distracted driving is another important factor.

The number of vehicle miles traveled on America’s roads in 2016 rose by 2.2 percent, with a death rate of 1.18 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. That was up 2.6 percent increase from 2015. The study pointed to more drivers taking part in dangerous behaviors such as alcohol impairment, speeding, and failure to wear seatbelts.

Efforts are underway to reverse the increase in deaths on our roads. Later this year, the National Governors Association (NGA) is slated to release its roadmap, State Strategies to Reduce Highway and Traffic Fatalities and Injuries: A Roadmap for States.

This document is intended to help governors and senior state officials reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our roads. This roadmap highlights tried and tested ways states can coordinate local efforts and reduce risky road behavior like drunk driving, texting, and reckless driving.

At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we help the victims of car wrecks in Virginia. There are many different types of collision in the Hampton Roads area. Please call us for a free meeting at (757) 455-0077.