According to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), U.S. drivers are in some serious trouble. The NHTSA’s Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2012 indicates that the number of roadway fatalities is on the rise. In 2012, we saw more than 34,000 traffic accident fatalities in the U.S. — they’re up more than 5 percent.
What’s alarming is that this increase comes after nearly a decade of decreases. From 2005 to 2011, we actually saw a decrease of more than 25 percent. But that’s no more.
Our New York City car accident lawyers understand that there are a number of reasons as to why we’re seeing this significant jump. Some blame it on driver distractions, others on inexperienced and newly-licensed drivers and many on disobeying road rules behind the wheel. But we know that one of the most significant reasons for the increase is a direct result of the vehicle miles traveled. As our economy continues to improve, drivers will continue to travel more. When there are more cars out on our roadways, the risks for accidents will increase as well.
According to The New York Times, there were more than 270 people who were killed in New York City traffic last year alone. That’s the highest number of traffic accident fatalities we’ve seen since 2008.
Most of the people killed were pedestrians. They actually accounted for close to 150 of the 274 recorded. Our city was able to record a decrease in the number of bicyclist and motorcyclist fatalities during this time however, which gives us a glimmer of hope. Bloomberg would like to credit the expansion of bicycle lanes for some of that decrease.
The city’s traffic fatality rates were less than a third of the U.S. average and half the rates of other large cities. If you think about it, that’s something to brag about, but we’ve still got a long way to go. Here in New York City, we’ve got to travel together, in unison, to help to make sure that everyone gets to where they’re going safely. It’s a joint effort.
It’s not all good news. Fatal hit-and-run accidents increase by close to 50 percent.
And they’re going to be targeting speeders to help to reduce the fatality rates, claiming that speeding accounted for about 30 percent of all traffic deaths. As it stands now, speed-catching cameras are in the works for the area, but they’re faced with much opposition. Officials with the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association say that this funding is better spent on getting officers out on our roadways rather than leaving them to be patrolled by cameras.
So next time you get behind the wheel or decide to hop on your bicycle or walk to your destination, remember to stay one step ahead of the traffic around you. We may start to feel that the busy city traffic is redundant, but we’ve got to remain aware to stay safe.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a traffic accident, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC for s free consultation. Call 1-877-313-7673.
More Blog Entries:
New York Senate Passes Sweeping Distracted Driving Measure, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, June 18, 2013
Fewer NYC Crash Injuries Likely if Feds Lower Legal Alcohol Limit, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, May 15, 2013
