Study United States Facing Deadliest Car Accident Year Since 2007

Car accidents are on the rise throughout the country. These tips can help you avoid an accident, and give advice on what to do if a crash helps.

A recent report is calling attention to the growing number of car accidents in the United States. The study has led some safety advocates to voice concerns that the country is currently facing a car accident epidemic.

Car accident study

The study was released in August by the National Safety Council (NSC), a nonprofit that focuses on saving lives and reducing the risk of injuries in homes and communities through research, education and advocacy efforts. According to researchers with the organization, almost 19,000 people were fatally injured due to traffic accidents from January to June of 2015. An additional 2.2 million suffered serious injuries. This translates to an increase in traffic crash related deaths of 14 percent compared to the same six month time stretch during 2014.

The group points to decreased gas prices and unemployment rates coupled with a better economy for the increase in vehicles on the roads. In order to help better ensure this increase in traffic does not result in an increase in accidents, the NSC recommends the following measures:

• Safety. Arguably the easiest safety measure, the group reiterates the importance of buckling up with every trip. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that seat belt use saves lives and reduces the risk of suffering from serious injuries if involved in a car wreck by almost 50 percent.
• Impairment. It is also important to avoid impairment. From drugs and alcohol use to a lack of sleep, take steps to make sure to avoid operating a vehicle while impaired. Get enough rest to avoid fatigue or designate a driver.
• Distraction. Use of Smartphones while driving is dangerous and often illegal. For those who struggle with a need to keep updated at all times, software is available that can help reduce the temptation of checking apps and texts while driving. This software can control the use of these apps in vehicles and can even be used to report if a driver is using applications like Facebook or Snapchat while in motion – a tool that is particularly useful for parents that are attempting to keep their children from using these distractions while driving.

Unfortunately, even when these precautions are taken car crashes can happen.

What to do if involved in a car crash

Those who are in a car crash are wise to seek the counsel of an experienced car accident attorney. If the accident is the result of another’s negligent or reckless behavior, compensation is likely available to help cover the costs associated with the crash. This legal professional can review the details of your case and work to help better ensure a more favorable outcome.