Why Are Traffic-Related Deaths Increasing

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(Newswire.net — December 15, 2017) — The numbers for 2017 aren’t in yet, but if the pattern unfolding across the past few years is any indication, it could be a new high for traffic-related deaths. According to estimates from the National Safety Council, motor vehicle deaths were up 6 percent in 2016. A total of 40,200 people died in traffic accidents. Considering the vast majority of traffic accidents are attributable to human error and are therefore preventable, that figure is especially tragic.

We live in an era of ever-improving technology, better safety standards and more awareness of the importance of safe driving. So why is the number of traffic-related deaths increasing? And what can we do to curtail that growth?

Potential Factors for the Increase

There are a handful of potential factors motivating the increase here:

  • Lower fuel costs. The national average for fuel costs is hovering at a per-gallon cost of around $2.50, and has wavered in that range for the past few years. Compared to its short-lived high point around 2008, at more than $4 per gallon, that’s a bargain. Drivers are seeing that it’s less expensive to drive, and they’re incentivized to drive more. More cars on the road means a higher total number of potential accidents, and the increased congestion means a potentially higher rate per driver.
  • Higher vehicle mileage. The effect is compounded by the fact that our vehicles are getting better and better mileage, with hybrid vehicles getting 50 miles per gallon or more on the highway. Since drivers are paying less and feel better about their environmental impact, they’re inclined to drive more frequently.
  • Improving economic conditions. Though economic growth slowed slightly in the United States in 2016, overall economic conditions have been on the rise since the economic recession of 2008. The gradually improving economy is giving more people more reasons to be on the road, and more spending power to purchase vehicles and drive them regularly. Ultimately, that means more potential accidents.
  • Driver distractions. It’s also worth noting that the increased distractions available to drivers, thanks to new technology, could be influencing this rate. An incoming text message, a Facebook alert, or a new email could all force you to look down at your phone, if even for a second. Every second you spend distracted is a higher chance of getting involved in a collision; in fact, 10 percent of all fatal crashes, and 17 percent of all collisions, are attributable to a distracted driver (and that number is rising).
  • Better vehicle technology. Modern vehicles are coming equipped with better technology, and more automation to relieve certain burdens on drivers. For example, they may come with cameras to assist sight, self-parking technology, or even self-driving technology on the highway. Ultimately, these controls can make a car safer, but they can also lull drivers into a false sense of security. When drivers feel overconfident, they’re more likely to make mistakes, which means they’re more likely to get involved in a collision.

What Can We Do About It?

So what can we do about this trend? On a large scale, we can sponsor more awareness programs to eliminate distracted driving and keep people driving as safely as possible. On an individual level, there are multiple things you can do:

  • Reduce your impact. First, reduce your impact on the roads by carpooling with other people, using public transportation, or relying on less-traveled roads to get to your destination. It will cut down on traffic and, hopefully, reduce your chances of being in an accident.
  • Know what to do in the event of an accident. Since car accidents are becoming more common, you should know how to react to one. Remain calm, get to the side of the road, check on the status of the other driver, and take lots of pictures. Eventually, you’ll need to call the police, get the information of the other driver, and if you were injured, consider contacting a car accident attorney—just in case.
  • Don’t get distracted. Eliminate distractions in your own vehicle by turning your phone on silent and leaving it somewhere you can’t reach it while you drive. The more focused you are on the road, the safer everyone will be.

The rise in motor vehicle deaths is unlikely to abate this year, since fuel costs are still low, drivers are incentivized to drive, and distractions are more plentiful than ever. However, it’s possible to reduce your own impact, and start contributing to a safer road and highway system in the United States.