Be Careful on NJ Roadways: Car Accident Deaths Are on the Rise
By Brenner Spiller & Archer | April 15, 2016
Traffic accident fatalities are on the rise in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released a report with data on the total number of traffic accident deaths in 2015. The numbers are staggering: during the first nine months of 2015, the rate of traffic fatalities in the U.S. went up by nearly 10 percent over the same timeframe in 2014.
The dramatic rise in traffic accident-related deaths has led government agencies, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the NHTSA, to request bigger budgets in order to cut down on highway accidents.
Despite the startling traffic fatality figures, and the calls for stronger measures to address auto safety concerns, the reality is that the total number of traffic fatalities is still much lower than it was 10 years ago. For example, there were 1.43 million auto accident deaths per 100 million vehicle miles in 2005. By contrast, there were just 1.10 car accident fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles in 2015. To put these numbers in context, keep in mind that more people than ever are currently driving automobiles on U.S. roads.
The question remains: Why did the overall number of US traffic fatalities start to go back up again in 2015? Although automobiles are safer than ever these days, the proliferation and popularity of new technologies, such as cell phones and portable video players, has led to a rise in distracted driving accidents. Motorists who use their phones to talk or text while driving put themselves, and others at significant risk of serious injuries.
For additional information, read the Verge article, “US Traffic Fatalities Rose Slightly Last Year, but Don’t Panic Just Yet.”
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, whether it’s a car crash, a truck accident or a motorcycle accident, you need to speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer. The experienced personal injury and auto accident attorneys at Brenner Spiller & Archer can help you get the financial compensation you need, want and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation about your case.
