NHTSA Statistics Show Traffic Death Increase for 2015
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released preliminary data showing that the number of traffic deaths nationwide increased by 7.7% in 2015. The statistics show that about 35,200 people died from traffic deaths in 2015, as opposed to the 32,675 traffic deaths that occurred in 2014. The most significant increases in traffic deaths in 2015 reportedly involved pedestrians and bicyclists. As a result of these figures, the NHTSA has stated that they need to not only continue to improve driver and passenger safety through technological advances, but also to work on modifying the behavior of drivers, whose errors and choices cause the vast majority of these traffic deaths.
Behavioral Challenges to Traffic Safety
While the NHTSA acknowledges that some of the traffic death increase may be attributable to increased traveling resulting from improved economic conditions and lower gas prices, they believe that human behavior is the larger threat to traffic safety. The NHTSA estimates that 94% of all traffic deaths occur as a result of human choice or error. Some of these behavioral challenges include impaired driving, distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, failure to use safety features such as seatbelts and child safety seats, and increased visibility and education about protecting pedestrians and cyclists. NHTSA and similar state agencies have launched extensive campaigns to educate the public and warn of the dangers of these types of behaviors. Campaigns recently have focused more on the dangers of distracted driving, particularly when caused by cell phone usage, whether the driver is texting, talking on the phone, using the GPS function, or surfing the Internet.
Technology Designed to Improve Traffic Safety
Aside from addressing behavioral challenges to traffic safety, NHTSA is also working to develop new technology and safety requirements that will also increase traffic safety. For instance, more than 99% of new vehicles will be required to meet certain automatic braking system standards by 2022. Vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems also could help prevent vehicle crashes that involve drivers who are not impaired. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is also working on technology that could help prevent drunk driving, which reportedly causes up to one-third of all highway deaths.
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Whether you are injured in an accident involving a Lyft or Uber driver, or another type of vehicle accident altogether, you need the skilled and experienced representation that only our Kissimmee auto accident lawyers can offer you. We know that you are likely to be feeling physical and emotional pain, financial strain, and the stress that inevitably accompanies these situations. Our goal is to remove some of the burden from you regarding your crash by working toward holding the responsible person or entity financially liable for the behavior that led to your injuries. Allow us to examine the facts surrounding your case, evaluate liability of other parties, and pursue any personal injury claim that you might have under Florida law. Call our office to set up a consultation at the offices of Salazar & Kelly Law Group, P.A., and learn what we can do for you.
