The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that over 42,000 people were killed in car accidents in 2021, an increase of 10.5% from 2020 when 38,824 fatalities were recorded, up from 36,096 in 2019. In 2022, the deadly trend continued with roadway deaths rising 7% percent in the first three months of the year, the highest number recorded in the first quarter in decades.
Experts attribute the increase in U.S. traffic deaths over the last three years to the usual suspects: speed, distracted driving, impairment, and unused seatbelts, all of which can result in deadly consequences on the road.
According to the NHTSA, speeding is involved in roughly one third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Even those who follow the speed limit may run into trouble if they do not adjust their speed for conditions such as bad weather or road construction.
Thousands of motorist are killed every year due to distracted driving. Any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving such as talking or texting on the phone, rowdy passengers, or adjusting the radio or GPS can result in a distracted driving accident.
Drunk driving impairs thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination – skills necessary to operate safely on the road. A blood alcohol concentration or BAC of .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood increases the risk of an accident exponentially, but even a small amount of alcohol can negatively affect driving ability with deadly consequences.
Seat belts save thousands of lives every year. The consequences of motor vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts can be found in 2020 statistics where over 50 percent of fatalities involved passengers not wearing seat belts. It is important for drivers and passengers to buckle up every time.
With motor vehicle accidents on the rise, it is very important to drive defensively and avoid reckless, distracted, or impaired driving, while employing a seat belt to protect you or a family member in the event of a car crash. If you have been injured in an Iowa car accident, working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Contact Des Moines car accident lawyer Marc Humphrey for immediate assistance at 515-331-3510.
