Traffic deaths are on the rise. According to the National Safety Council, 2015 traffic deaths and serious injuries are going to be the worst in nearly a decade. They estimate that more than 40,000 people will be killed in accidents this year alone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that during the first 3 months of 2015, the number of traffic deaths increased by 9.5% – 3x the amount of driving Americans actually did. It is also estimated that the cost of traffic deaths, injuries, and property damage was up 24% from 2014 – a whopping $152 billion.
But why? Cars are safer than they have ever been with numerous advanced safety features and early warning systems. So why in 2015 are accident deaths increasing?
NSC president Deborah Hershman believes that she knows the answer. She believes that low fuel prices and cell phone usage are to blame for the numerous deaths on the road. As more automobile drivers head out on the road – and take their cell phones with them – the number of distracted driving accidents has grown. Miles driven in the United States has increased for 15 consecutive months and set an all-time record during the first 5 months of 2015 with 1.26 trillion miles traveled.
Yet while we saw a 3.4% increase in miles, we saw a 14% increase in fatalities. This suggests that something more than just an increase in car drivers is to blame for the accident. Hershman believes that that “something” is cell phone use.
There really is no denying our reliance on cell phones these days. Most Americans could not imagine going a day without their device. We use our smartphones to check the weather, the traffic patterns, map our routes, order takeout food, connect with friends and family, text, and even conduct business. Unfortunately, many drivers do all this – while driving.
Just how much does cell phone use play a role in accidents – and fatalities? A National Safety Council study found that cellphone use is a factor in one-quarter of all accidents now.
Further Reading: Widows Pay Higher Insurance Premiums
But is Speed to Blame as Well?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, however, believes that increasing speed limits have led to more deaths on the road. The speed kills coalition points to numerous states that have just increased their highway speed limits. In Texas, for example, the highway speed limit is 85mph. In Nevada, speed limits were raised to 80 mph.
There is no denying that speed kills – as do cell phones. Combine the two – and you have a recipe for disaster. Drivers need to use all their attention on the task of driving. In addition, paying attention to posted speed limit signs is important – but so is using the appropriate level of speed for the road and the weather conditions. Sometimes, going under the speed limit is the safer bet – especially in poor weather or on poorly maintained roads.
Driving Tips to Stay Safe on the Road
Drivers in Colorado can take steps to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a car accident.
- Always obey posted speed limit signs
- Never use your cell phone while driving. Put it in airplane mode or better yet, put it in the glove box.
- Pack and plan an emergency kit for your car – especially in winter months.
- Routinely check your tires for wear and make sure your tires are adequately inflated
- Never drink and drive
- Never drive on the influence of drugs – including some prescription meds
- Always use your turn signals when changing lanes
- Always watch for pedestrians near crosswalks
- Give bicyclists room to maneuver and never speed past them
Contact Our Experienced Denver Car Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, it is important to know, that someone is on your side. From the moment you are injured, our Denver car accident attorneys will go to work for you, fighting for your right to obtain the maximum compensation. We will negotiate with insurance companies and even file a claim against the responsible party if necessary. Our primary goal is to do what is best for you – and your family. For a free initial consultation with Hillyard, Wahlberg, Kudla, Sloane & Woodruff, LLP, call 800-630-2366 or contact us online. We care about you – and our track record speaks for itself. Come in and see why so many injured Denver car accident victims choose Hillyard, Wahlbert, Kudia, Sloane & Woodruff, LLP to represent them after an accident.
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