Even though vehicle safety technology has advanced immensely lately, road safety in the U.S. doesn’t seem to be significantly improved, judging by statistics released by the National Safety Council (NSC). According to the Motor Vehicle Fatality Estimates report, compiled by the NSC Statistics Department, roads in the United States are not getting any safer, with traffic fatalities and injuries seeing a substantial jump this year.
Fatality Rate Could Be Highest Since 2007
The report states that traffic deaths during the first six months of 2015 have increased by 14% over the same period as last year, and that the costs associated with motor vehicle accidents have also gone up. The NSC says that between January and June of this year, a total of 18,600 traffic fatalities have been recorded, as compared to 16,400 deaths in the first half of 2014. At this rate, the number of traffic deaths this year is on track to be the highest since 2007, when there were over 40,000 motor-vehicle fatalities.
Car accident injuries are also on the rise. In the first six months of 2015, there were about 2,3 million serious injuries, up 30% from 2014. Taking this upward trend of motor-vehicle deaths and injuries into account, the NSC estimates that the costs of car crashes – which include productivity losses, medical expenses, employer costs, administrative expenses, and property damage – through June was $152 billion, which is a 24% increase from last year.
“Follow the numbers: the trend we are seeing on our roadways is like a flashing red light – danger lies ahead,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council, in a press release. “Be a defensive driver and make safe decisions behind the wheel. Your life really depends on it.”
Vehicle Miles Traveled on the Rise
The NSC says that one of the main factors contributing to the rise in traffic fatalities and injuries is the increase in vehicle miles traveled. According to the report, vehicle mileage has increased by 3.4% through May of 2015 over the same period as 2014, which is attributed to lower gas prices and dropping unemployment rates.
In addition to the fact that the improving economy is putting more people on the road, the NSC claims that distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding are also among the contributing factors. That is why the NSC provides several recommendations for drivers in its report, hoping that they will help reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes. The NSC safety recommendations include designating a sober driver, getting enough sleep before heading on a long trip, never using a cell phone while driving, and making sure every vehicle occupant wears a seatbelt at all times.