In 2016, traffic-related deaths soared to an estimated 40,200. According to findings released by the National Security Council (NSC), fatalities increased 6 percent from 2015 and up 14 percent from 2014. It is now considered to be the deadliest year on the roads since 2007, which witnessed 41,000 deaths.
October saw the worst month in 2016, with 3,790 deaths. On the other hand, the lowest number of deaths happened in January, which contributed 2,740 deaths. States with the highest fatalities are California, Florida, and Texas. Each state had over 3,000 deaths last year. Alaska, the District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Vermont had the least, with less than 100 fatalities each.
According to NSC, the increase was due to more drivers on the road, lower fuel prices, and cars with increased fuel economy. However, in a survey conducted by NSC, it was revealed that the risky things drivers are doing also attributed to it. These include speeding, texting while driving, driving while impaired by marijuana, and drunk driving.
NSC President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman said, “Our complacency is killing us. Americans believe there is nothing we can do to stop crashes from happening, but that isn’t true.” She added that the country lags behind the rest of the developed world in reducing highway deaths.
For this research, NSC had a total of 2,001 surveys between January 22nd and February 2nd, 2017.
Statistics
- An estimate of 4.6 million motor vehicle injuries required a medical consultation in 2016.
- In 2015, 37,757 people were killed on U.S. roads.
- Every 8 seconds, someone is hurt in a car crash. And over 100 people die every day in car crashes.
Increase in Traffic Deaths
2016 was not a good year for Kentucky either. The state saw an increase of more than 50 percent in car crashes, becoming one of the deadliest years in the past decade.
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I always give the same answer when I am asked what’s killing people on the road – alcohol, distraction, not buckling up, and speeding. These factors cover a big part of the picture. And each is 100% preventable. If motorists will set aside arrogance and lack of responsibility, our roads will be much safer. Follow safe driving tips, such as having a sober ride home, staying focused at the wheel, wearing your seat belt, and slowing down. This is something we can possibly do, and now is the right time to start.