Motor Vehicle Deaths Decreased in 2017 – Is That Good?
Rate of Motor Vehicle Deaths Decreased Over Last Year, but More Work Needs to be Done
According to the National Safety Council, the number of traffic fatalities in the United States in 2017 was 1 percent lower than the number of traffic fatalities in 2016. The exact figures were 40,327 in 2016 and 40,100 in 2017. The number of traffic-related injuries in 2017 was lower than the injuries recorded the previous year, too. In 2017, 4.57 million people suffered injuries serious enough to warrant medical attention in traffic accidents. In total, these injuries cost $413.8 billion.
Although these facts sound optimistic, it is important to understand them in the context of the “big picture” of traffic fatality trends. 40,100 fatalities is still a lot of car accident deaths, which means there is still a lot of effort for drivers and legislators to make to save lives and cut down the number of collisions that occur on America’s roadways.
Understanding the “Big Picture” of the Decrease
According to the National Safety Council, the 2017’s lowered traffic fatality rate is actually a leveling off of the steep traffic fatality increase since 2015. In fact, the number of traffic fatalities in 2017 was 6 percent higher than the number of traffic deaths recorded in 2015. This increase was linked to an improving economy during those years, which increased the total number of miles Americans drove.
Reducing Traffic Fatalities Further
Although the stabilization of the number of traffic fatalities in the United States is good news for motorists, there is more motorists can do to reduce this number further. Drivers can control the dangers they pose to themselves and others on the roadway and can reduce this hazard to zero by taking the following safety precautions:
- Properly maintaining their vehicles. A vehicle with properly inflated tires, brakes kept in good condition, and appropriate, clean fluid levels is safer for its occupants and others on the road than a poorly maintained vehicle, which can suffer a brake failure, a blowout, or another problem related to its poor maintenance;
- Choosing to never drive drunk or under the influence of drugs. This includes prescription drugs like sleep aids and painkillers. When you are prescribed a new drug, talk to your doctor about how it could affect you and do not drive until you know how the drug affects you;
- Always driving well-rested. A drowsy driver can be as dangerous as a drunk driver;
- Choosing not to drive distracted. Texting while driving takes the driver’s eyes off the road for up to five seconds at a time, putting him or her at risk of colliding with others; and
- Obeying all posted speed limits and other traffic signs.
Work with an Experienced Nashville Auto Accident Lawyer
Reducing motor vehicle deaths is always a good thing. Today, though, motor vehicles deaths still occur in Nashville and throughout the United States. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, work with an experienced Nashville wrongful death lawyer to pursue compensation for your resulting damages. Contact Bednarz & Bednarz today to schedule your initial legal consultation in our office.
