An alarming rise in traffic accident deaths has safety experts calling for action. Traffic accident related fatalities increased six percent from last year and 14 percent from 2014. Accidents continue to become more common around the nation for many reasons.
The National Safety Council suspects that traffic accident deaths are increasing due to people speeding, drinking while driving and getting distracted behind the wheel. Phone use while driving appears to be the prime suspect. Smartphone users are no longer just texting and driving. More people are using their smartphone to read the news, browse Facebook and even check the weather while driving.
Washington drivers are already prohibited by law from using cell phones while driving. This does not stop drivers from using their phones anyway. The rate of traffic deaths in Washington alone has risen by 15 percent since 2014.
The National Safety Council has announced recommendations which could help reduce driver fatalities. Some suggested actions include:
- Police officer enforcement of seatbelts laws for all vehicle passengers
- Ignition interlocks for first time DUI offenders
- Automatic red light and speed cameras around the nation
- A three level graduated drivers license system for anyone under age 21
- Cell phone bans for every state, including hands-free technology
Deadly crashes are not the only type of accident that has worsened. Automobile accident injuries are up seven percent in the U.S. from 2015. Critical auto accident injuries can be life altering. A catastrophic injury can put you out of work for weeks, cost thousands in medical bills and cause tremendous pain. Car accident victims may seek compensation for such injuries with the help of an attorney.