NHTSA: Traffic Fatalities Increased in 2015

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

New data recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2015, traffic fatalities increased by 7.7 percent over 2014. According to the NHTSA, 35,200 people died last year in motor vehicle related deaths.

Regional Analysis

The federal agency breaks the country up into 10 different regions for the purposes of analyzing data. Reports from 2015 show that all but one of those regions had an increase in the number of fatalities. Illinois is in Region 5, which also includes Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Region 5 experienced an overall increase of deaths of nine percent.

Every type of motor vehicle accident fatality also had an increase in numbers. The breakdown includes:

• Truck accident fatalities had a four percent increase;
• Rollover accident fatalities had a five percent increase;
• Driver accident fatalities had a six percent increase;
• Passenger accident fatalities had a seven percent increase;
• Motorcycle accident fatalities had a nine percent increase;
• Fatal crashes involving young drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 years of age had a 10 percent increase;
• Pedestrian accident fatalities had a 10 percent increase; and
• Bicycle accident fatalities had a 13 percent increase.

Why the increase in fatal crashes? According to the NHTSA’s administrator, one reason may be lower gas prices, leading to more vehicles on the road, and a corresponding rise in serious injuries and deaths. The main culprit, however, appears to be human error or choice, which was found to be a factor in a staggering 94 percent of the crashes.

The agency has held a series of safety meetings to develop ways to help combat against distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk and drugged driving, failure to use seat belts, speeding, and safety protections for cyclists and pedestrians. While any new efforts to promote safety will take some time to implement, the potentially saved lives are worth the investment.

New Automobile Standards

Some such efforts are already underway. In an announcement in March, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced an agreement with automakers which will make automatic emergency braking a requirement in 99 percent of new vehicles. This standard, which must be fully implemented by 2022, will prevent thousands of crashes each year, according to safety advocates.

Help With Your Injury Case

If you have been injured in an accident caused by another driver, contact an experienced Orland Park car accident attorney to find out what legal options you may have against the at-fault driver. Call 708-966-2408 for your free initial consultation.

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