Fatal Car Accidents Peak in 2017  

According to a new report by the National Safety Council (NSC), there were approximately 40,000 fatal car accidents in the United States in 2017, which marks the second year in a row that traffic fatalities were high. The official statistics for 2017 will be released later this year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The report highlights the consensus among policymakers that the number of lives that have been lost in traffic accidents is a public health crisis that must be stopped. To address the problem, it is important to understand the factors that keep the toll so high.

Despite today’s car being equipped with the latest safety technology, including collision avoidance systems, lane departure alerts, and adaptive cruise control, human error is the reason for so many devastating wrecks. Too many drivers make the irresponsible choice to drink and drive, talk or text while driving, or exceed the speed limit. There are also a significant number of drivers who do not wear their seatbelt, even though it is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in the event of a car accident.

Safety Advocates Call for Immediate Action

The NHTSA reported that approximately 37,461 people were fatally injured in car accidents in 2016, which was a 5.6 percent increase from the previous year. This includes accidents that took place on public roads, as well as parking lots, driveways, and private roads. Safety advocates say that action needs to be taken if the problem is ever going to be fixed. An NSC spokesperson expressed frustration over the lack of progress on such an important issue. Deborah A.P. Hersman, CEO of the NSC, commented that there is too much complacency, and it is having fatal consequences on our citizens. A full-court press is the only way we are going to improve roadway safety and protect motorists from becoming the next statistic, said Hersman.

To completely eliminate fatal wrecks within the next 30 years, the NHTSA joined forces with the NSC to launch the Road to Zero initiative. To support their efforts, the Department of Transportation will provide one million dollars per year for the next three years in grant money to organizations that are committed to developing effective lifesaving programs. Zero fatalities is an ambitious goal, said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator. The FMCSA is committing significant energy and resources to making this goal a reality. This will only be successful if everyone does their part in promoting safer roads and highways across the country.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Serious Car Accidents

If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident and has suffered a serious injury, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We understand how devastating this can be for you and your family and we will aggressively pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.