Estimates Say Traffic Deaths Increased by Six Percent in 2016

Posted on behalf of Pfeifer Morgan & Stesiak

on February 21, 2017

. Updated on March 23, 2022

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two ambulancesThe National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that there were 40,000 traffic fatalities last year, a six percent increase over traffic deaths in 2015. This makes 2016 the deadliest year on our nation’s roads since 2007.

Fatal auto accidents caused by driver error are tragic and preventable. If you were injured or lost someone you love because of a negligent driver, the South Bend auto accident attorneys at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak are ready to help. We will assist you during the claims process to make sure your losses are accurately represented and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

U.S. Roadways Exhibit Deadly Trend of Auto Accidents

Unfortunately, this continues the trend of increasing traffic fatalities that began in 2014, after several years of decreases in traffic deaths. There was a seven percent increase from 2014 to 2015. Traffic fatalities in 2016 were 14 percent higher than in 2014, which is the largest two-year increase in car accident deaths in more than half a century.

Motor vehicle deaths last year cost approximately $432 billion, an increase of 12 percent compared to 2015. Costs include medical bills, lost wages, property damage and administrative costs, according to the NSC.

A variety of factors may have contributed to last year’s increased traffic fatalities. According to an NSC survey, more than 80 percent of drivers admit to engaging in the following risky driving behaviors:

  • Speeding
  • Texting while driving, either manually or with voice control
  • Impaired driving, including driving under the influence of marijuana or alcohol

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that young drivers have the highest risk of dying in traffic accidents.

In fact, teenage drivers are involved in car accidents at three times the rate of drivers over the age of 20.

Approximately 10 percent of drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 involved in fatal accidents were engaging in distracted driving.

The NSC estimates for 2016 traffic deaths are likely to be higher than the NHTSA’s estimates. That is because the NHTSA only counts deaths on public roads while excluding deaths in driveways and parking lots and deaths that occur within one year of a traffic accident.

Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

If you lost a loved one in a car accident, contact our South Bend personal injury lawyers for a free legal consultation. We may be able to help you recover wrongful death compensation, including final expenses, medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.

Call us today at (844) 678-1800.

Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak

Serious Attorneys for Serious Cases