Traffic Deaths Topped 40,000 in 2018
The latest statistics for traffic deaths are dismal, as 40,000 or more deaths are estimated for 2018. This is the third year in a row that the numbers have reached or topped 40,000, as the National Safety Council reported. According to the NSC, the figures for 2018 showed only a decline of 1 percent from 2017, which had 40,231 fatalities, and 2016 with 40,327 deaths. The number of those who suffered severe injuries last year in traffic collisions decreased by only one percent to around 4.5 million.
Highest and Lowest Number of Fatalities
According to the estimates, the highest number of traffic deaths were recorded in Florida, Minnesota, Hawaii, Oregon, New Hampshire, Nevada, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Declines of over 9.4 percent were found in Maine, Kansas, Wyoming, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. One good sign is that traffic fatalities appear to level off following years of rising numbers. However, the 40,000 figure for 2017 is still 14 percent over the number of traffic deaths four years earlier.
Pedestrian Fatalities Increasing
Spikes in the number of traffic deaths were shown in pedestrian fatalities. In addition, distracted driving was a factor in 8 percent of the accidents, and drowsy driving contributed to 2 percent.
Reliability of Statistics on Traffic Fatalities
The interim president of the NSC said that traffic deaths may be reduced by using technological advances, stressing what is known to work to reduce the numbers and creating a culture that encourages safe driving. The NSC has tracked trends of fatalities and released estimates for almost 100 years by collecting data from all the states in the country, plus Washington, D.C. The study is inclusive, which means that even driveway and parking lot fatalities are included.
The Future of Traffic Safety
Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) responded by pushing for the more rapid deployment of self-driving vehicles to slow down the trend. The CEO and President of SAFE said that the number of deaths has risen to epidemic proportions and that human error is known to be the cause of 94 percent of all traffic accidents. A Boston consulting group conducted research that concluded that traffic crashes could be reduced by 28 percent if all vehicles used advanced technologies to assist drivers. This could reduce the number of fatalities by about 9,900 people each year, as well as saving around $251 billion.
Advice From an Experienced Lawyer
When facing a wrongful death or severe injury from a traffic accident, consulting with a seasoned lawyer is a good idea. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis and offer a free consultation upfront to answer your questions. They do not collect a fee until your case is won. Since the loss of a loved one or severe injuries can end up causing a serious strain on the family finances, seeing what a lawyer can do for you is a good idea.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Traffic accidents cause numerous serious injuries and fatalities each year. If this happens to you or a loved one, please call for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. Our toll-free number is (800) 404-5400 if you are elsewhere in Northern California. We also offer a convenient contact form to fill out, and I will get back to you.
I belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, a group that recognizes lawyers who uphold high standards of excellence in law practice. In addition, I am a Million Dollar Forum member, which is for trial lawyers who have obtained more than $1 million for a client.
Since 1982, I’ve worked hard as a personal injury lawyer to help Sacramento and Northern California residents obtain needed compensation for wrongful death cases, car accidents, and traumatic injuries.
Learning about a law firm is an excellent way to see if it fits your case. This is why I have attached the links below to my clients’ reviews and prior cases that my law firm has handled:
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