According to the National Safety Council, a nonprofit safety advocacy group, the number of motor vehicle deaths around the country in 2016 reached 40,200, many of which were in Connecticut. The figure represents an increase of 6 percent from 2015 and a 14 percent jump from 2014. It should also be noted that the increase in the traffic fatalities has occurred as motorists are driving more due to a robust economy and inexpensive gas.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also indicate an increase in traffic deaths. The agency reported the number of deaths during the first nine months of 2016 was an 8 percent increase from the number of deaths during the same period in 2015.
The results of a survey regarding driving behaviors were also released by the National Safety Council. Forty-seven percent of the respondents stated that they were comfortable with texting while driving. Ten percent of drivers admitted to driving while drunk, and 43 percent of those drivers reported being in a crash while they were impaired. The survey results also indicate that 16 percent of drivers do not wear their seat belts all the time, and 25 percent of drivers tend to drive over the speed limit on residential roads.
To combat the rising number of traffic fatalities, the safety advocacy group has renewed its call for a complete ban on the use of mobile phone devices while driving. It has also petitioned for mandatory ignition interlocks for those convicted of drunk driving and a three-tiered licensing system for new drivers under the age of 21.
Individuals who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a motorist who was texting while driving or negligent in some other fashion may want to meet with an attorney to discuss their options. An attorney could use the police investigation results and other evidence to pinpoint the party that should bear financial responsibility.
