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Traffic fatalities are on the decline

On Behalf of | Feb 28, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Louisiana motorists might be pleased to learn that, for the second year in a row, traffic fatalities around the country have declined. According to estimates released by the National Safety Council, 38,800 people died in roadway accidents in 2019. This figure represents a 2% decline from the confirmed total in 2018 and a 4% decline from the number of fatalities in 2017.

According to the Illinois-based nonprofit organization, the decline came after spikes in both 2015 and 2016. However, it noted that in general, traffic fatalities have declined both in raw numbers and per 100,000 people since the 1970s. As an example, in 1972 there were more than 25 fatalities per 100,000 people compared to slightly more than 10 such deaths in 2014. The NSC attributes the good 2018 and 2019 numbers to a variety of possible factors.

It notes that today’s newer motor vehicles contain any safety features that were not available in the past. These include lane departure warnings and advanced emergency braking systems, although the NSC cited research stating that some motorists may become over-reliant on such technological advances. It also mentioned an increasing awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, with Utah reducing the legal BAC limit from .08 to .05 and other states considering such a move.

Victims of car crashes often sustain catastrophic injuries that require extensive periods of expensive medical care and treatment, and many are unable to return to work while they are recovering. If it can be determined that the accident was the result of the negligence of another driver, victims might want want to have an attorney’s help when seeking compensation for their losses.

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