2016 Traffic Fatality Totals Are the Worst They’ve Been Since 2008

Many people in the U.S. are losing their lives on the highway. The fatalities have increased, but the main causes of death are the same ones we’re warned about. Drunk driving, speeding, and not wearing seatbelts all contributed to the increased highway fatalities in 2016.

Other people who share the road with cars also lost their lives at a higher rate. Motorcyclist, bicyclist, and pedestrian deaths have increased more than a third since 2008.

Car accidents can be fatal or cause injuries that change your life forever. It’s frustrating when this happens because of another person’s reckless driving behavior. Your injuries could keep you from working or require weeks to recover. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through this alone.

Bey & Associates in Atlanta, Georgia might be able to help you get compensation for your medical expenses, car damages, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our car accident lawyers have years of experience with these cases, and want to help you fight for your rights.

How Does 2016 Compare to the Past?

While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows some decreases in driving deaths, there are more areas that have increased fatalities. In 2016, U.S. roads had 37,461 fatalities. This 5.6 percent increase from 2015 is alarming and organizations like the NHTSA are trying to find solutions to lower that number.

The decreases in driving fatalities:

• Drowsy-related deaths decreased 3.6 percent.
• Distraction-related decreased 2.2 percent.

The increases in driving fatalities:

• Pedestrian deaths increased 9 percent.
• Motorcyclist fatalities increased 5.1 percent.
• Fatalities caused by failing to wear a seatbelt increased 4.6 percent.
• Speeding fatalities increased 4 percent.
• Drunk driving fatalities increased 1.7 percent.
• Bicyclist deaths increased 1.3 percent.

How Can You Stay Safe?

Many ways to reduce driving fatalities include following driving laws. Remember, if you don’t decide to follow driving laws, you’re risking the lives of everyone else on the road with you along with your own. Following these safety tips decrease your chance of having a traffic accident and makes the road safer for everyone.

• Obey Speed Limits.
• Don’t Drink and Drive.
• Buckle Up.
• Avoid Distractions.

It’s always a good idea to drive defensively. You’re not tailgating anyone, use your turning signals, and always check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning. When you drive defensively, you give yourself more time to react if you have to make a sudden decision on the road. You also have more time to be aware of others on the road and how close they are to you.

Another tip is to take good care of your car. With regular inspections and keeping your car windows and mirrors clean, you’re reducing the chance of having an issue with your car when you’re driving.

Do You Need an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer?

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, you might not know what to do next. Filing a car accident claim could get you compensation to cover your expenses. A car accident lawyer from Bey & Associates will help you with this process and answer any of your questions and explain what you need to do.

Call Bey & Associates today at (877) 762-4997 for a free consultation.