Some of the content below is courtesy of the National Safety Council website
While there have been some positive and negative changes in the number of auto accidents in the U.S the core figures remain remarkably consistent looking at data over the last two decades.
For the second consecutive year, the U.S. experienced a small decline in roadway deaths in 2019, according to statistics released by the National Safety Council earlier this year. In total, an estimated 38,800 people lost their lives to car crashes – a 2 percent decline from 2018 (39,404 deaths) and a 4 percent decline from 2017 (40,231 deaths). About 4.4 million people were injured seriously enough to require medical attention in crashes last year – also a 2 percent decrease when compared with 2018 figures.
At the state level, fatalities are estimated to have dropped more than 13% since 2018 in seven states. Figures have remained pretty consistent in Michigan. The number of national deaths has been as high as 47,000 and as low as 36,000 since 1999.
The estimated cost of motor-vehicle deaths, injuries, and property damage in 2018 through June was $400.4 billion, a 3 percent decrease from 2018.
Research to definitively determine why fatalities have decreased for the last two years is likely to lag several years. However, the NSC preliminary estimate signals that the country may be experiencing the benefits of several risk mitigation actions implemented in the last few years. For example, 10 cities have embraced “Vision Zero” models, which make streets safer by taking actions that include redesigning high-crash areas to reduce crash risk. Other proven measures include lowering the legal alcohol concentration limit.
And today, the majority of newly manufactured vehicles include advanced driver assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning systems, backup cameras, and adaptive headlights, all of which are proven to reduce the severity of crashes or prevent them altogether. The bottom line is that roadway deaths can be prevented by doubling down on what works, embracing technology advancements, and creating a culture of safer driving.
The Council’s estimates do not reveal causation; however, 2018 final data show continued spikes in deaths among pedestrians who are hit by a moving vehicle. Distraction and drowsy driving are often causes of a car/pedestrian accident.
As these statistics suggest, auto accidents can – and do – happen anywhere at any time. The experienced team at Bashore Green can help you and your loved ones who have been involved in an action where someone else was at fault. Contact us to learn more.