There Was an Increase in Motor Vehicle Accident Deaths in 2016

Traffic fatality numbers continue to climb.

Motor vehicle accident deaths continued to climb in 2016. Preliminary data from the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that nearly 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. This is a 6 percent increase from 2015 and a 14 percent increase from 2014. This gives 2016 the unfortunate designation of deadliest year on U.S. roads since 2007.

Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) prove no more optimistic about 2016 than those from the NSC. NHTSA reports that, for the first half of 2016, there were 17,775 traffic fatalities. This is a 10.4 percent increase from the same time frame in 2015. Some of the factors contributing to these increases include:

• Speeding
• Texting
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

When you combine the above driving behaviors with the fact that the roads are more congested than ever, you have a recipe for disaster. It is no wonder that an NSC survey showed that 83 person of people who responded to a survey they conducted reported driving safety concerns. Low gas prices and a stronger economy have encouraged people to get out on the road more than ever before and it looks like not enough people are taking the dangers of the road seriously.

Many people lost their lives on the road in 2016. Even more people reported crash-related injuries. The NSC estimates that there were 4.6 million medically consulted motor vehicle injuries in 2016. This is a 7 percent increase from 2015. Furthermore, the NSC reports that, in 2016, motor vehicle deaths, injuries, and property damage cost $432.5 billion. Costs included:

• Wage loss
• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Administrative fees
• Employer costs

The road is a dangerous plays and, apparently, is getting more dangerous year after year. Practice safe and defensive driving to keep yourself as safe as possible. If you or someone you love has died or been injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, contact dedicated personal injury attorney Rob Lovett. At Lovett Law Firm, we put our clients first and fight for them to recover monetary compensation for their losses. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.