New Brunswick Car Accident Lawyers: U.S. Road Fatalities Highest Since 2007
The National Safety Council (NSC) has called for stricter driving rules regarding texting while driving and has additional suggestions to make roads safer. This follows the non-profit advocacy group’s latest report on 2016 fatalities on U.S. roads. Compared to the previous year, roadside deaths were up by six percent, an increase more than double that of 2014. In the first nine months of 2016, fatal car accidents were already eight percent higher than the same period the year before, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Vehicle miles traveled increased by three percent as more motorists took advantage of lower gas prices to hit the road. However, the NSC indicates that this does not fully account for the six percent rise in deaths. The group released the results of driver surveys where motorists were asked about their driving habits involving everything from safety habits to distracted driving. A full 47 percent of the drivers surveyed admitted they were comfortable driving and texting. Some 16 percent did not always use a seatbelt when they drive, and 25 percent had no problem speeding in a residential area. Moreover, a troubling 10 percent of drivers in the survey said they drive drunk and 13 percent admit to driving while impaired by marijuana.
A Call for Tougher Laws
At a recent press conference, the NSC gave recommendations for safety measures to counteract this trend toward acceptance of dangerous driving habits. They reiterated a demand for a total ban of cell phone use while driving, including hands-free devices. Also on the list were a three-tiered system for licensing new driver under the age of 21 and mandatory ignition interlocks for drivers with a DUI conviction. Other lifesaving safety measures include making seat belt laws a primary, not secondary enforcement, and accelerating the standardization of the latest automotive safety technologies. The NSC also supports educational efforts such as comprehensive programs for pedestrian safety and awareness about the nature of impairment and when it is no longer safe to drive.
The NSC is convinced much more can be done and said the United States is behind the rest of the developed world in addressing the problem of highway fatalities. They developed the “Road to Zero” campaign in an effort to help Americans realize that changes in driving behavior and safety practices can affect the rising number of fatalities.
The numbers speak for themselves. In 2016, an estimated 40,000 people died in car accidents and 4.6 million had injuries that required medical attention. The cost to society was estimated at $432 billion.
New Brunswick Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Fight for Those Injured in Car Accidents
There are more people on the road than ever before and while most drivers practice safe driving habits, others are not following the letter of the law. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in New Jersey due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced New Brunswick car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr will help you pursue full and fair compensation for your losses. Call us today at 877-249-4600 or complete our online contact form. A consultation at our Highland Park offices is free. We proudly represent clients throughout New Jersey including the communities of New Brunswick, Edison, Somerset, South River, Sayreville and Middlesex.
