The carnage on the country’s streets and highways is dramatically increasing. This trend is especially true in Florida, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). While a better economy, higher employment and low gasoline prices are good news for those who want to travel, the bad news is with more of us on the roads more of us are getting killed. Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne represents families of those injured or killed in traffic accidents.
The National Safety Council estimates that deaths from motor vehicle accidents nationwide were 9% higher through the first six months of 2016 compared to the same time in 2015 and 18% higher than two years ago at the six month mark. This means an estimated 19,100 people have lost their lives on American roads this year from January through June with another 2.2 million people seriously injured. The estimated economic cost of these losses and injuries is $205 billion.
To put the 19,100 death estimate for January to June of this year into perspective, an estimated 3,380 Americans were killed by foreign and domestic terrorists from 2001 to 2013, according to CNN, and about 1,136 Americans were killed by law enforcement in 2015 reports the Guardian.
States that have seen particularly high increases since 2014 are,
Vermont 82%
Oregon 70%
New Hampshire 61%
Idaho 46%
Florida 43%
Georgia 34%
Indiana 33%
California 31%
North Carolina 26%
Illinois 24%
Kentucky 24%
This puts Florida’s increase at more than twice the national average and the fifth highest in the country. At the same time some states saw decreases and increases that are not nearly as high.
Wyoming -35%
Nebraska -7%
Oklahoma 1%
West Virginia 2%
New Jersey 2%
Nevada 5%
Although Florida’s population is slightly more than twice the size of that of New Jersey (20.7 million (2016 estimate) vs. 8.9 million (2015 estimate)) its increase in vehicle deaths is about 21 times higher. The NSC says it’s more than drivers to blame and the best car accident lawyers agree; it’s all of us for not taking this issue more seriously.
"Our complacency is killing us," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "One hundred deaths every day should outrage us. Americans should demand change to prioritize safety actions and protect ourselves from one of the leading causes of preventable death."
The NSC has these suggestions for safer trips offers car accident injury lawyer Osborne,
Make sure every passenger buckles up on every trip
Designate an alcohol and drug-free driver or arrange alternate transportation
Get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue
Never use a cell phone behind the wheel, even hands-free
Stay engaged in teens' driving habits, as teens are three times as likely to crash as more experienced drivers
Learn about your vehicle's safety systems and how to use them.
If a family member has been killed in a vehicle accident due to the negligence of another in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach Counties you may be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. To learn more contact Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne at (561) 800-4011 or fill out this online contact form. You can discuss your case, how the law may apply and your best legal options to protect your rights and obtain compensation for your loss.
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Joe Osborne
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