All across the United States, traffic fatalities have continued to surge in 2016.
From January through June, an estimated 19,100 drivers died in motor vehicle accidents. That’s a nine percent increase from the first six months of 2015 and an 18 percent spike since the first half of 2014.
On top of the fatalities, another 2.2 million people suffered serious injuries as a result of motor vehicle accidents.
The National Safety Council (NSC) is projecting 2016 to be the deadliest driving year over the past nine years in the United States.
So what is causing all of the dangerous driving accidents across the country?
Low gas prices.
The NSC stated that “the increase in fatalities in 2016 likely reflects the effects of the low gas prices that have averaged 16 percent below 2015 levels for first six months of 2016, helping to produce a 3.3 percent increase in cumulative vehicle mileage through May.”
In other words, paying less for gasoline allows Americans to drive farther and more often, and the influx of drivers on the roads at all times causes an increase in serious driving accidents.
The estimated costs for all of the fatalities and serious injuries these accidents caused during the first half of the year totaled $205 billion. And the trend is only getting worse.
At the current rate, American driver fatalities could total 39,870 by year-end. And that number has increased every year since 2013.
There’s no question – it’s hard to stop a reckless driver from causing accidents. But the National Safety Council released a list of precautions drivers can take to help protect themselves and their loved ones when gearing up to hit the road. We encourage you to take heed of the following safe driving tips:
- Always make sure you and your passengers are wearing a seatbelt.
- Only drive when well-rested, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
- Never text or talk on your cell phone while driving.
- Never drive after drinking or while drinking alcohol.
- For parents of teenage drivers, stay engaged with their driving habits (this is important, as teenage drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident).
We hope you never have to experience the trauma that follows a severe car crash. But if that day comes, it is your right to seek financial recovery from the responsible party. However, it’s best to leave legal matters to those who are trained in the law and have handled many cases similar to yours.
At Bressman Law, we focus solely on personal injury law and have successfully settled a multitude of car accident cases. An experienced car accident attorney at our firm can investigate your wreck and help you seek maximum compensation for your damages.
Injured? Speak with an Ohio Car Accident Lawyer for Free
Bressman Law ranks among the best personal injury lawyers in Ohio because we genuinely care about our clients, whether we are negotiating a settlement or representing you in court.
We know the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that can come with a serious car accident. And that’s why we want to get you the help and financial compensation you deserve to recoup your losses.
Victims of car accidents are all too often low-balled by their insurance companies and opposing attorneys representing the drivers who caused their accidents. We won’t let this happen to you.
Give us a call now at 1-877-538-1116 to schedule your free, initial consultation.
You’re under no obligation to hire our firm after meeting with an attorney, and you pay no fees unless we win your case.