Motor Vehicle Deaths Dropping Slightly So Far This Year

Motor Vehicle Deaths Dropping Slightly So Far This Year

During first half of 2017

During first half of 2017 statistics show that motor vehicle deaths have fallen to an estimated 18,680 fatalities. However, this number is still eight percent higher than the statistics from just two years ago in 2015, according to the National Safety Council.

NSC Cautions

However, while this seems like good news on the surface, the NSC cautions people from getting overly optimistic. We’re still only a bit more than halfway through 2017 and the last few months of the year tend to be the deadliest. This can be attributed to the worsening weather coupled with more people on the roads during the holiday season.

Motor Vehicle Deaths Dropped

• California’s numbers specifically have been dropping.

• Motor vehicle deaths in this state in the first half of 2017 totaled 1492, down from 1702 in 2016 and 1566 in 2015.

• This represents a 12% change from last year and a five percent change from 2015.

• California ranked third in motor vehicle fatalities for the first half of 2017, behind Texas at 1733 and Florida at 1570.

Cautious Optimism

The 2015 national numbers were the worst this country had seen since 1964.

Statistics taken at the beginning of 2018 will reveal more. The amount of deaths is still staggering, with nearly 18,700 people killed on U.S. roadways since January 2017.

An additional 2.1 million were seriously injured. The estimated cost associated with these accidents is $191 billion.

NSC says the high number is due in part to cultural complacency .

Why Such High Numbers?

The mentality “it can’t happen to me.”

This is why so many people still 1. Text while driving, 2. Get behind the wheel after drinking 3. Extremely fatigued, 4. and multi-task while trying to keep their eyes on the road.

5. Of course, Road Conditions 6. And, Weather 7. Action of Drivers are major contributors – something out of the control of the average driver.

Other Factors Affect Motor Vehicle Fatality Trends

Including an improving economy and lower gas prices.

In fact, these factors have both contributed to a 1.7% increase in miles driven between 2016 and 2017.

Solutions

Last October, the National Safety Council formed the Road to Zero program in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Federal Highway Administration. Its goal is to eliminate traffic fatalities completely within the next 30 years.

These organizations hope to achieve this seemingly impossible goal through awareness based on the following facts:

Solutions

• Traffic fatalities and associated injuries are preventable. • Zero traffic deaths can be obtained in the future with access to emerging technology such as self-driving cars. • A coordinated effort between multiple connected agencies will do more good and bring about more positive change than individual organizations working independently.

Tips to Reduce Motor Vehicle Fatalities

• Wear your seat belt every single time you get in the car. Insist that all passengers belt in before moving.

• Designate a driver if you plan to drink, or make plans for public transportation, Uber, etc.

• Make sure you are well rested behind the wheel. If you are tired, get somewhere safe to take a break.

• Don’t use your phone while driving.

Even hands-free phones pose a distraction.

More Tips

• Make sure your teen knows all the rules of the road as well as smart driving habits. Check out Drive it Home for more helpful resources.

• Know the safety features of your particular vehicle and use them, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning systems and back-up cameras.

• Stay on top of recalls and bring your car in for service if need be.

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