Most modern cars today come with an array of safety features such as cruise control, collision avoidance systems, GPS navigation and state-of-the-art seatbelt technology as well as impenetrable airbags. That being said, there has been a sharp uptick in the number of accidents in our roads over the last year that got the NHTSA, a federal road safety agency, worried.
According to a report released earlier this year, there has been a 6 percent increase in fatalities between 2015 and 2016, a number that hasn’t been seen since 2007. What then, is causing all these traffic-related deaths?The answer is within arm’s reach, literally.
Distracted Driving To Blame
The increase in technology and devices that can connect to multiple internet-based social media services such as Facebook and twitter all present a tempting distraction that most Americans simply can’t say no to. Even when people know that they shouldn’t be using their devices when driving, the draw towards them is too much for most people to pass up.
Lax and Confusing Laws
In addition to the plethora of distracting apps and devices, a general laissez faire attitude by county governments all over the country has meant that the authorities aren’t doing enough to punish people for offences such as drunk driving, speeding and use of seatbelts. There exists a patchwork of laws from county to county, city to city and between states which makes it easy for people to opt out of certain actions such as strapping up or adhering to certain speed limits. This lack of uniformity creates general confusion as well as the opportunity for some errant drivers to take advantage of the melee to cause carnage on our roads.
NHTSA Traffic Fatality Figures
The NHTSA estimates that over 50 percent of all accident-related fatalities are due to unbelted drivers, and that alcohol contributes to 30 percent of all deaths on our roads. Up to 7 percent more people required medical treatment after an accident, taking the number to 4.6 million. In addition, Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, New Mexico, Kansas, New Hampshire, experienced a worrying 20 percent increase in traffic deaths, with Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington state, Minnesota, Maryland and Delaware experiencing less sharper rises.
Indiana Car Accident Attorney Help
Drivers that choose to get behind the wheel drunk or drive while using their phones put the lives of other motorists in danger. While the government seems to be doing something to roll back this worrying trend, it is important to do what you can to gain normalcy in your life by filing an Indiana accident lawsuit if you were involved in an Indiana accident that wasn’t your fault. Need help? Please call us today on 877-561-3004 for your free consultation into these types of Indiana personal injury cases.