By Sumona
Auto accidents have been claiming lives annually, and this year isn’t an exception.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that there were 20,175 casualties for the first half of 2022. While it has decreased from 35,766 last 2020 on a national scale, it still remains a huge problem.
In this article, read about the recent trend of car accidents and what solutions are being developed to improve the situation.
Top 5 Things Of Auto Accidents You Need To Know About
1. First-Quarter Fatalities
The NHTSA estimated that for the first three months of 2022, there were 9,500 people who perished in vehicular accidents. It’s the highest number since 2002, which is a 7% increase since 2021 at 8,935 during the same quarter. By September 2022, there are 10 states where the number of deaths by traffic accidents decreased.
These states include the District of Columbia with 4 deaths, North Dakota with 8 fatalities, Rhode Island with 11 deaths, and South Dakota with 33.
On the contrary, there are 9 states included where there was an increase in car accident deaths compared with 2021. They include Vermont with 9 deaths, Maine with 20 deaths, New Hampshire with 19 deaths, and Delaware with 21.
2. The Likely Causes Of Accidents
Experts in public health stated that the pandemic was a likely factor in the car accident death toll. Stress and isolation could be influencing people’s behavior on the road.
The accidents could also be likely caused by a combination of increased use of substances such as alcohol and drugs, ignoring the usage of seat belts, reckless driving, and overspeeding.
A Hollywood FL accident attorney would know the factors that can affect the number of car accidents every year. Florida is among the states with the highest number of fatalities, with over 52,000 hit-and-run accidents and 119 that are fatalities.
The first half of the year concluded with 450 fatalities out of 8,000 car accidents that involved pedestrians and bicycle riders. Statewide, there was a total of 32,861 accidents by April this year.
Among the factors that contributed to many of South Florida’s accidents are the dangerous multi-lane roads, negligence, distractions, and ignoring traffic laws, like running red lights, among others.
3. How Fatalities Are Estimated
All 50 states and the District of Columbia monitor traffic data that the National Safety Council (NSC) gathers to give out estimates.
The Department of Transportation offices employ data reporters and are also the ones who are likely to give the preliminary data for the completion of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System that the NHTSA is managing.
The state data reporters gather the estimated data from the previous month, along with the updated information of the old reports. The NSC keeps a record of the partial and updated estimates of fatalities from January up to December. The NSC is maintaining a three-year worth of database on vehicular fatalities.
4. The Demographic Influencing The Crashes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are higher among the age group of teenage drivers ages 16 to 19 years. Compared with drivers who are 20 years old and above, the rate is 3 times higher. In 2020, males have caused more accidents 3 times as high as female drivers.
The crashes also involved passengers who are among their ages and sometimes with young adult passengers. The site stated that the demographic involved teenage drivers who were newly licensed.
Speeding and distracted driving are among the reasons the crashes happened. With the ownership of smartphones, young drivers are likely to be checking their phones even while on the road. It can be that they’re either messaging someone or watching a video while driving.
5. Counter-Measures By The Current Administration
The Biden-Harris administration and the US Department of Transportation aim to prioritize the halt of fatalities caused by traffic accidents with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the law intends to improve the roads, airports, rails, and bridges which are among those that stand to gain from the passing of the bill. The improvement of said infrastructures, it’s expected to increase the creation of good-paying jobs and improve the economy.
The National Roadway Safety Strategy was introduced by US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to concentrate on minimizing the mortalities caused by traffic accidents. It brings a special focus on providing safety to drivers and vehicles, safer roads, responsible driving through safer speeds, and post-care after accidents.
In Conclusion
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of mortality rates in the country. Data shows that while there was a decrease, it’s still a significant problem that continues to claim the lives of innocent drivers and passengers alike.
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