Traffic Deaths up Nearly 10%

Traffic deaths in the first nine months of 2015 were up by nearly 10% compared with traffic deaths in the first nine months of 2014, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These figures have served as a call to action for the NHTSA, which recognizes that it needs to do more to combat threats to the public’s safety. But who is responsible for the increase in traffic deaths?

Driver Behavior Blamed for Death

While the NHTSA can take important measures to introduce stricter regulations, NHTSA administrators note that factors relating to human behavior contribute to 94% of crashes. This means that if traffic deaths are to go down—from over 26,000 in only nine months of 2015—drivers will have to learn to alter their behavior.

NHTSA has launched a number of initiatives to improve safety and to fight drowsy driving, but there are still further strides needed to be made, including fighting drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, failure to use seatbelts, failure to use child seats, and pedestrian and cyclist deaths.

4 Tips to Reduce Overall Traffic-Related Deaths

NHTSA estimates that over 26,000 traffic deaths occurred in the first nine months of 2015, up nearly 10% compared with the approximately 23,500 deaths in 2014.

1. Combat Drunk, Drugged & Distracted Driving: According to this recent NHTSA crash data, approximately a third of fatalities are caused by drunk driving. One-tenth of fatalities are caused by distracted driving.
2. Respect the Speed Limit: Speeding was a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic deaths in 2014. Respecting the speed limit could play a major role in lowering overall traffic fatalities.
   

3. Secure Your Seatbelt: Wearing your seatbelt could have a huge impact on reducing overall traffic deaths. Half of all passengers killed in 2014 were not wearing seatbelts. Additionally, children not secured in a child’s seat were more likely to suffer fatal injuries than children who were secured.
   

4. Wear a Helmet: Helmet use could drastically reduce the number of motorcyclists who die as a result of head injuries linked to not wearing a helmet. Statistics show motorcyclists are more likely to die in states that do not have strict helmet laws.

Dangers to Pedestrians and Cyclists

The NHTSA considers pedestrian and bicyclist safety a top priority and has taken steps to convene transportation agencies to conduct road safety assessments in every state. Pedestrian accidents and bicyclist accidents can often result in devastating injuries and often death. The outcome of these assessments help to develop safer roads for bicyclists and pedestrians through measures such as designated bikeways, improved intersections, and better connected bicycling and walking networks.

Truck Underride Regulations

While there is no arguing that human behavior contributes to traffic deaths, poor vehicle design also plays a role. In fact, NHTSA has proposed stricter underride regulations to require safer rear-impact guards on semi-trucks that could keep cars from ending up under a trailer. Other design changes to cars and trucks could play a role in preventing future traffic deaths.

How the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick Can Help You

The attorneys and staff at Kisling, Nestico & Redick have years of experience helping victims of car, motorcycle, and truck accidents receive compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a motor vehicle accident, one of our Ohio personal injury lawyers may be able to help you recover damages for your medical costs and crash-related losses. Call 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free initial consultation.