Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Car Crash Data from 2014 to 2015
The year 2014 saw an overall decline in fatal car accidents from the previous year. However, the data from the first half of 2015 reveals troubling statistics, indicating a rise in roadway fatalities. In fact, the estimates from the first half of 2015 show an 8.1% increase in fatalities, which translates to approximately 16,225 deaths, compared to 15,014 deaths during the same period in 2014.
Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, expressed concern over the data, which he said is the result of impaired driving, speeding and not wearing seatbelts. Adkins said that although many states are working hard to further develop their educational and enforcement programs, there is a lack of reliable funding, which will impact the ability to implement these programs.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator, Mark Rosekind, said that the latest statistics are unacceptable and that every state needs to take the numbers seriously and be diligent in coming up with ways to prevent the death toll from continuing to rise. Currently, only 14 states prohibit cell phone use by drivers and only 19 states have mandatory helmet laws for all motorcyclists. Helmet laws alone could save approximately 700 lives per year.
The NHTSA announced that it will be holding meetings in the near future to generate ideas and implementation plans to address the causes of 94% of road fatalities, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drowsy driving, speeding and failure to use seat belts and child seats. These meetings will take place in cities across the country including Sacramento, Boston, Denver, Atlanta and Dallas- Fort Worth during the early months of 2016.
With the price of gasoline dropping below two dollars per gallon, it is likely that more Americans will continue to take to the roads to visit family and friends. Therefore, it is more important than ever to ensure that there are safety protocols in place, that they are being implemented, and that we dramatically reduce the number of people killed on our roadways in 2016 and moving forward.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Jay L. Edelstein Represent Victims Injured in Car Accidents
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a car accident, call our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Jay L. Edelstein. Our experienced, knowledgeable team will fight for your rights and seek the maximum financial compensation for your injuries. Our offices are located in Center City Philadelphia and we serve clients in Pennsylvania andNew Jersey. For a free consultation, call us today at 215-893-9311 or 856-809-3150 or contact us online.