Report Finds Motor Vehicle Deaths Are Declining Through First Half of 2017
Georgia Wrongful Death Accident Attorneys Report That Motor Vehicle Deaths Are Declining Through First Half of 2017
The National Safety Council (NSC) released preliminary figures for motor vehicle crash deaths up to now in 2017. The NSC reports that fatalities declined by 1 percent compared to this time last year nationwide. The NSC cautions that the numbers are just preliminary and the trend, while positive, could reverse itself, and meet or exceed last year's statistics depending on what occurs over the next six months. The surviving family of a person killed in a motor vehicle accident suffers tremendous emotional and financial damage. Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law understand the irreplaceable loss the death of a loved one causes a family. That is why our Georgia wrongful death attorneys work hard to maximize the potential recovery in each of our clients' cases.
The NSC indicated that it is pleased with the results so far. However, the NSC also issued a word of caution: the last six months of the year, encompassing the whole of the summer and the holidays, tends to be much deadlier than the first half of the year. Even just the smallest reduction in roadway deaths is a positive step; the first six months of 2017 are 8 percent deadlier than the same time frame two years ago.
The raw estimates are staggering despite the modest reduction in total loss of life. The final tally will not be in for about another year. Therefore, the NSC is working from estimates. The NSC calculated that 18,680 people have died in motor vehicle crashes as of June 30. Additionally, 2.1 million people have suffered serious injuries in vehicle accidents during the same time. The financial price associated with the loss of life and injuries amounts to approximately $191 billion.
Georgia roads have been deadly again this year. The latest figures indicate that 919 people have died in Georgia motor vehicle accidents up to this point. Georgia has followed the national trend. Death rates have steadily increased year-over-year for the last three years. In 2016, there were 1,561 people killed in vehicle accidents in Georgia. In 2015, 1,432 succumbed to injuries on Georgia's roads. Before that, the total number of deaths was much lower in Georgia looking back to 2008.
The president and CEO of the NSC used some strong words to describe the attitude American drivers display on the roads, saying that that the U.S. suffers from "cultural complacency" when it comes to highway deaths, implying that drivers' indifference for the safety and well-being of other motorists causes over 100 deaths per day across the U.S. The number of dead sadly rose by 6% from 2015 to 2016.
Part of the reason why so many American drivers are dying in domestic accidents relates to the number of people on the road. It goes without saying that the more people drive, the greater the likelihood of getting into a wreck. Vehicle travel rose 1.7% from 2016 to 2017 due to a stronger economy and lower gas prices. However, the high rate of fatalities is compounded by distracted driving, driving under the influence, and aging road structures. The NSC warns drivers always to use their seat belts, do not use a cell phone —even a hands-free device— and never drive while inebriated. Following these simple rules will significantly reduce traffic fatalities annually.
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Sources:
http://www.dot.ga.gov/BuildSmart/performance/Pages/Fatalities.aspx
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