From January to June of 2015, there has been a remarkable surge in fatal traffic accidents in the U.S., safety advocates at the National Safety Council (NCS) have recently reported. In fact, when compared to data for the first half of 2014, the finding has been that traffic accident deaths this year have increased by about 14 percent, rising from 16,400 in 2014 to 18,630 in 2015.
From Jan to June 2015, there was a 14 % increase in traffic accident fatalities and a 30% spike in auto accident injuries, a Denver car accident attorney explains.
Tragically, this is not the only shocking statistic that NSC officials have discovered in reviewing traffic accident data for the first half of this year. They have also reported that, over this same period of time (and when compared to data from 2014):
- Serious injuries resulting from traffic accidents have jumped up by approximately 30 percent.
- The six-month costs of these traffic deaths and injuries (including associated property damage) have been a jaw-dropping $152 billion, which is about 24 percent higher than these costs were last year.
Such findings are leading some to speculate that 2015 is on pace to become the deadliest and most dangerous year for motorists since 2007.
Commenting on these initial findings, Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of NSC, has stated:
Follow the numbers: the trend we are seeing on our roadways is like a flashing red light – danger lies ahead…Be a defensive driver and make safe decisions behind the wheel. Your life really depends on it.
Why the Surge in Traffic Accident Deaths & Injuries?
As researchers continue to gather and analyze data regarding traffic accidents in 2015, some have pointed to the following factors as being likely contributors to the spike in motor vehicle accidents, injuries and deaths this year:
- Lower unemployment rates – With more people being employed, there are typically more drivers on the road. Similarly, more employed Americans can also mean more regular commuters, as well as more people having the money to take vacations like road trips.
- Lower fuel prices – The recent drop in fuel prices, as well as the predicted stability of these prices into the next year, has also likely triggered more people getting behind the wheel and driving (rather than relying on modes of transportation like buses or commuter trains, for instance).
Comment about the NSC’s findings on our Facebook & Google+ pages.
Contact a Denver Car Accident Attorney at Cederberg Law
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident – or if you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, contact a Denver car accident attorney at Cederberg Law to find out more about your best options for financial recovery.
To meet with us at no cost or obligation to you, call us at 303-499-0449 or email us using the form at the side of the screen.
In addition to offering free initial consults and contingency fee options, our lawyers make hospital visits to ensure that you have access to the legal support you need – whenever you need it.
