Why the Latest Vehicle Safety Features Have Not Reduced the Number of Traffic Deaths

Auto manufacturers are constantly devising and implementing more responsive safety features, which means cars technically become safer with every passing year. Many Americans look forward to upgrading their ride to a vehicle with the latest innovative features, yet CNN reports that the United States still has the highest number of traffic fatalities among high-income countries.

Additionally, traffic deaths have actually been on the rise in recent years. According to The New York Times, there was a 7-percent increase in the number of traffic deaths from 2014 to 2015 and another 6-percent increase from 2015 to 2016.

Even when you consider the most common cause of motor vehicle collisions—driver error—and the fact that no safety feature short of full automation can prevent it, the sharp increase in the number of traffic deaths during the past two years is surprising. Are Americans gradually becoming worse drivers, or is something else at play?

If you were hurt or lost someone you love in a motor vehicle collision, filing a claim against the liable party could help you maintain your financial security despite the damages you have incurred. Contact the Cooper Law Firm to discuss your case with a compassionate personal injury lawyer in Van Zandt and determine the best way to proceed.

Attorney N. Eric Cooper is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Gregg County Bar Association. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Why Are Traffic Deaths on the Rise?

According to WIRED, the economy has a direct effect on road safety, and America’s renewed financial health is a big part of the reason why traffic deaths have been on the rise in recent years. Higher incomes and lower gas prices contribute to more congestion, which increases the likelihood of collisions.

When people have a reliable stream of income, they are more likely to leave their homes in pursuit of entertainment. This might include taking road trips across state lines, attending parties late at night, and checking out new restaurants in the neighboring towns.

Researchers have acknowledged the correlation between a booming economy and an increase in traffic deaths, and now, Americans are witnessing that link firsthand. People with jobs simply have more reason to be on the roads, and they also have more opportunities to partake in unsafe driving habits.

For example, individuals who are driving along unfamiliar roads will likely look at their navigation system frequently. This is considered a visual distraction, and it can have devastating consequences. Motorists who go out with their friends or loved ones also have more opportunities to drive while impaired, which poses serious risks for both them and those on the road around them.

If you were hurt in a drunk driving accident, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and various non-economic damages. Contact the Cooper Law Firm for quality legal counsel during every stage of the claims process.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with an accident attorney in Van Zandt. You can learn more about drunk driving accidents in Texas by visiting the USAttorneys website.