Few in Ohio will disagree that traffic seems to be getting worse. Some complain that driving is often treacherous at certain times of the day and that motor vehicle accidents seem to be getting more deadly as speeds on highways increase. Those who have suspected these things now have facts to back them up.
The U.S. National Safety Council recently released its semi-annual summary of traffic fatalities across the country. Continuing a two year pattern, deaths increased 9 percent in the first six months of this year compared to the same time period last year. This brings the number of fatalities to 19,100 and serious injuries surpassing two million. If accidents continue at this rate, the country could see more than 40,000 fatalities before the year ends.
Some feel the strong economy contributes to the number of deaths because people tend to drive more when unemployment and gas prices are low. However, the Governors Highway Safety Administration maintains that human error is the root cause. In fact, 94 percent of all traffic deaths are the result of driver mistakes. Unsafe behaviors such as drunk or distracted driving, speeding and driving while fatigued continue to plague the roads. The GHSA feels this problem will only be solved by autonomous cars.
Meanwhile, Ohio drivers risk being involved in motor vehicle accidents whenever they get behind the wheel. In the second half of the year, it is likely that more families will be facing the tragedy of losing a loved one to a negligent driver. When that happens, many will turn to a dedicated attorney for help in claiming compensation for their suffering and loss.
Source: gazette.com, “Traffic fatalities continued to surge in first half of 2016”, Joan Lowy, Aug. 23, 2016
