Increase in Traffic Fatalities at Highest Level in 50 Years
Statistics of motor vehicle-related fatal crashes on our nation’s streets and highways had been showing a downward trend in recent years. But, that all changed in 2015.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), approximately 38,300 people died in motor vehicle-related incidents last year with an estimated 4.4 million suffering serious injuries. While it may not mean much to the average person, for those who follow such statistics, the alarming rate of increase in deaths and injuries is a cause for concern.
Highest rate of increase in 50 years
The reason for the concern is the rate of increase is at its highest percentage in 50 years over a previous year’s statistics and marks the most lives lost on American roads since 2008. Using 2014 as a watermark with a record-low of 1.07 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, if 2015 is an indicator of things to come, the trend could be heading in the wrong direction.
In some states, there was a more drastic increase in motor vehicle deaths than in others. The NSC named the top 4 states with the sharpest rise in their motor vehicle mortality rate, including:
- Oregon – 27% increase.
- Georgia – 22% increase.
- Florida – 18% increase.
- South Carolina – 16% increase.
Sharp rise despite safety enhancements
Interestingly, the sharp rise in highway deaths occurred despite enhanced vehicle safety features offered by auto manufacturers. In a 2013 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a 20% drop in driving deaths per million in just a 3-year time period was noted with a stunning 0% driver mortality rate among 9 different car models.
The Institute highlighted security improvements such as electronic stability control, self-braking systems, and overall safer car designs. Meanwhile, the NSC attributed the sudden spike in overall traffic deaths in 2015 to several factors, including an improving job market.
As odd as that sounds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), more gas money was spent and more miles were traveled in 2015, which showed a 3.5% increase in miles traversed, thereby, leading to a greater chance of deadly accidents occurring.
However, in mid-2015, the NSC revised its information with a report also pointing to cellphone use as a cause for the increase in traffic fatalities, accounting for at least 27% of all crashes recorded between January 2015 and May 2015. This included any crashes involving texting, hand-held or hands-free cell phone use.
The study broke down the number of incidents at 6% of total crashes related to texting while talking on the phone-related crashes was at 21%. Even with “stop distracted driving” programs in most states, cellphones are still to blame for over 25% of all motor vehicle accidents.
Other factors also contributed to the increase
Of course, other factors also contributed to the increase in serious injuries and death on our nation’s highways in 2015, including drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not wearing a seatbelt, speeding or other reckless driving behavior, and falling asleep behind the wheel.
Becoming a statistic or being responsible for one is much easier than you think, especially if you engage in some of the unsafe driving tactics previously mentioned on a regular basis. In the end – the choice is yours.
Make sure you and your car are protected. If you are not getting a good rate on your car insurance, call USAgencies today at (800) 420-3712. You will get a free, customized quote from an experienced representative. If you would prefer, you can also get a free car insurance quote online.