Death on U.S. roads in 2016 topped 40,000 for the first time since 2007. Last year 40,200 people died on the road if the estimates released by the National Safety Council, a nonprofit organization that works with federal auto-safety regulators, are correct. This is a 6 percent increase from 2015 and a 14 percent increase from 2014.
The rise is despite automobile safety enhancements in the recent years. For example, newer vehicles are equipped with electronic stability control systems, additional airbags and rearview cameras.
The National Safety Council also released findings showing 64 percent are comfortable with speeding, 47 percent with texting while driving; 10 percent with drinking too much and driving; and 13 percent with driving impaired by marijuana.
While Americans are driving more, specifically 3 percent more, it fails to explain the 6 percent rise in deaths in 2016.
In an effort to reduce the number of fatalities on the road, The National Safety Council is calling for more steps to be taken including:
- A complete ban on mobile phone use while driving
- A mandatory ignition interlock for convicted DUI drivers
- Passing or reinstating motorcycle helmet laws
If you or a loved one has experienced a catastrophic accident while driving, or any other type of accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Accident Lawyers at the Levensten Law Firm at www.levenstenlawfirm.com, www.accidentphiladelphia.com or 215-545-5600 for a free consultation.