For the first time since the Great Recession, the U.S. has experienced three straight years of over 40,000 roadway deaths, according to report released by the National Safety Council earlier this year. In 2018, an estimated 40,000 people lost their lives to car crashes – a 1% decline from 2017 (40,231 deaths) and 2016 (40,327 deaths). About 4.5 million people were seriously injured in crashes last year – also a 1% decrease over 2017. Florida saw a 5.8% spike in fatalities according to estimates.
The silver lining is that these estimates signal a leveling off after years of consecutive increases. Driver behavior more than likely continues to be the reason why the numbers remain high. The estimates don’t reveal causes, but the final 2017 data shows spikes in deaths among pedestrians, while distracted driving accounts for 8% of crashes and drowsy driving an additional 2%.
In 2010, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all roadway fatalities in the united states. Despite this fact, Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire have yet to institute any form of helmet laws.
To help ensure safer roads, the National Safety Council urges motorists to:
- Practice defensive driving. Buckle up, designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation, get plenty of sleep to avoid fatigue, and drive attentively, avoiding distractions.
- Recognize the dangers of drugged driving, including impairment from prescription opioids. Visit StopEverydayKillers.org to understand the impact of the nation’s opioid crisis.
- Stay engaged in teens’ driving habits. Visit DriveitHOME.org for resources.
- Learn how to use your vehicle’s safety systems. Visit MyCarDoesWhat.org for information.
- Fix recalls immediately. Visit ChecktoProtect.org to ensure your vehicle does not have an open recall.
- Ask lawmakers and state leaders to protect travelers on state roadways. The NSC State of Safety report shows which states have the strongest and weakest traffic safety laws.
- Join the Road to Zero to understand how safety professionals are addressing motor vehicle fatalities. Visit nsc.org/roadtozero to get involved.
Our experienced Miami and Naples accident attorneys at Weinstein & Cohen will put your priorities first. If you or someone you care about has been injured or involved in an accident across Naples or Southwest Florida, contact the accident lawyers and Naples personal injury attorneys at Weinstein & Cohen at 239-793-3331 or 305-374-1011, or visit fairnessforall.com for an absolutely free legal consultation to learn more about your options.
