According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 35,092 auto accident fatalities in the United States in 2015. That is a 7.2 percent increase from 2014, and it was the largest year-over-year increase since 1966. Job growth and lower fuel prices are cited as causes for the result, as those factors have lead to an increase in people driving in Kentucky and around the country.
In 2015, there was a 3.5 percent increase from the previous year. If there is good news, it is that auto accident deaths are down about 25 percent from 42,708 fatalities 10 years ago. The overall decline has been attributed to increased seat belt use, additional safety features included in most vehicles and fewer drunk drivers on the road. In fact, roughly 50 percent of those who were killed in 2015 were passengers who were not wearing their seatbelts.
Another 30 percent of deaths could be attributed to drivers who were drunk or who were speeding at the time of the accident. Distracted driving was also an issue with about 10 percent of deaths being attributed to those who weren’t paying attention to the road when an accident occurred. In a statement, a representative of the NHTSA called on researchers and the public to come together in an effort to reduce auto accident deaths.
Those who are injured in car accidents may wish to speak with an attorney. It may be possible to win compensation from a distracted driver or otherwise negligent driver who caused the accident. Compensation may come in the form of reimbursement for medical bills or lost wages. Lost future earnings may be included as well in a financial award.