The National Safety Council (NSC) has reported a 14% increase in fatal car accidents to date in 2015 compared with totals for the first 8 months of 2014. This is the first time in many years that car accidents have been on the rise throughout the country.
Fatal collisions have been on the decline for over a decade due to factors such as more widespread use of seatbelts, stricter drunk driving laws, and safer cars that utilize stability-control systems and airbags. However, there are a variety of factors which seem to be contributing to this unexpected rise in fatal car accidents in 2015:
- Gas prices are at their lowest level since 2010, prompting more people to take road trips
- Harsh weather conditions throughout the country this year have created dangerous roads
- A recovering economy has more Americans commuting to work than in recent years
However, the greatest factor contributing to this increase in fatal accidents is most likely distracted driving. The NSC estimates that 25% of car accidents are caused by cell phone use. While strict drunk driving laws have had a significant impact in curbing that dangerous behavior, state laws banning texting while driving and cell phone usage without a hands-free device haven’t been as successful.
Due to these factors, the NSC expects auto accident fatalities to surpass 40,000 for the first time since 2007. This is an alarming trend.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. The attorneys at Wilson Law, P.A. have been fighting for the rights of accident victims in the Raleigh area for more than 15 years, and we can help you hold negligent drivers accountable for your damages.
Please contact Wilson Law, P.A. using the form at the bottom of the page or call (919) 800-0919 today to schedule your free auto accident consultation. Kimberly Wilson White serves clients in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and throughout North Carolina..