According to new data from
the National Safety Council, traffic fatalities have been up 14% in 2015. This
year there have been over 18,600 motor-vehicle deaths from January to June. In
2014, there were 16,400 deaths during the same period of time. The estimated
cost of the deaths, injuries, and property damage related to these crashes is
$152 billion, which is up 24% from 2014. This has been the deadliest year for
drivers since 2007.
So why would the percentage
of accidents be higher this year? National Safety Council president Deborah
Hersman says some reasons may be that because gas has been more affordable this
year compared the recent past years (about 30% down from 2014), people are
driving more, and therefore that produces more chances of accidents.
Another reason is that since
the unemployment rate has also gone down compared to the past couple years,
people are working more so there are more cars on the road. As stated earlier,
more cars on the road means higher chances of accidents. Also, cell phone use
has gone up; people are using their phones more and more now for more things –
not just to talk or text. Social media use on phones while driving has gone up.
The more distracted drivers and the more drivers there are, the more accidents.
While it’s difficult to
measure exactly why fatalities this year have been on the rise, these are all
probable causes. The best way that you can make sure you do not become part of
this increased statistic is by practicing safe driving. You can’t control how
many people are out on the road, but you can at least control how you drive
your vehicle.
If you or someone you know has been
involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren,
Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton,
Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in
Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling
1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident
can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly
for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to
your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on
Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
