Statistics can play a role in preventing car accidents and it is important to understand what they mean. Drivers in Massachusetts should be aware that the most recent statistics indicate that the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents in the state for the first half of 2017 have risen by 21 percent from where they were in 2015 and are 46 percent higher than in 2013. The numbers have remained static from 2016 and 2017. This information comes from the National Safety Council.
According to the NSC, the past two years have had the greatest increase in fatal motor vehicle accidents since 1964, and there are no indications of improvement. While lower gas prices and a stronger economy are referenced as possible reasons for the uptick since there are more people on the road, another factor is the problem with distracted driving, and, specifically, the issue with using devices when behind the wheel is limiting the attention they pay to the road.
In the first six months of this year, there were 180 people killed in Massachusetts accidents. That is nearly identical to the first six months of 2016. This was an increase from past years. In 2015, the first six months saw 149 deaths. There were 123 in the first six months of 2013. Nationally, the numbers are similar. In the first half of 2017, there were close to 18,700 deaths on the road. That number is also close to the total for 2016’s first half. Researchers caution that the second half of years are generally more dangerous for a car collision. The rise from 2015 to 2017 was around 8 percent. It was 12 percent higher than 2013.
The state has taken steps to advise people not to drive while distracted, but the numbers are troublesome as to how effective the outreach has been. With the increase of the number of accidents, everyone on the road needs to be vigilant about potential dangers. When there is a crash, there can be serious injury and death with the accompanying medical expenses and personal concerns for the near and long-term future. An accident investigation is vital to determine how and why it happened. For help, contacting a legal professional experienced in pursuing compensation after a car accident is step one.
Source: bostonglobe.com, “Mass. traffic deaths up 46 percent since 2013,” Matt Rocheleau, Aug. 15, 2017
