RSSTraffic Fatalities Up 14 Percent This Year
According to a report released on Monday by the National Safety Council, deaths related to auto accidents have increased a whopping 14 percent in the first six months of 2015 compared to the same time period last year. A total of almost 19,000 lives were lost on America’s road and highways, with 1,441 of those occurring in the state of Florida. This number represents a 29 percent increase over 2014. This trend is very troubling to safety officials and they have combed the data looking for answers.
Although cars manufactured today are safer than ever, many drivers do not know how to properly utilize safety features or fail to use them. Seat belt use is at an all-time high. Deaths related to drunken driving are down, as are teen driving deaths. So what is the driver of this upward trend?
Officials believe that there are a number of factors at work behind the statistics. Many states have raised the speed limits on interstates and highways in recent years. Cellphones are a major distraction for drivers, a contributing factor in up to 25 percent of all accidents. Low gas prices and good weather have enticed drivers to get behind the wheel a little more often, increasing the number of miles driven in the United States this year, 1.26 trillion miles through the end of May.
This combination of higher speeds and increased distractions seems to have resulted in a higher fatality rate per mile driven, and the number is expected to climb higher in July and August – months that are typically the most deadly for drivers. The best way to protect yourself from being injured or killed in an accident is to take your safety seriously behind the wheel. The National Safety Council urges all motorists and their passengers to buckle up for safety. Never use a cellphone while operating a vehicle, except with a hands free device. And never, ever get behind the wheel if you are extremely fatigued or have been drinking. The consequences may be deadly for you or someone you care about.
If someone you love has been the victim of a serious Florida auto accident, please contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.