In the biggest one-year percentage jump in motor vehicle deaths since 1996, the number of fatal accidents increased 7.2% in 2015 to claim a disturbing 35,092 people.
Traffic deaths have been steadily declining since the 1950’s, and as recently as 2005 a reported 42,708 people lost their lives in highway accidents. So while the jump does buck the current trend of steadily declining numbers, it still remains far below even relatively recent statistics.
This data was published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of a larger research note which also noted the types of fatalities. Crashes involving alcohol impairment for example make up 29% of all crash fatalities, while distracted driving was a factor in 8.1% of fatalities.
The higher number of motor vehicle accident deaths may be due in part to the increase in vehicle miles driven, a whopping 3.5% which is the largest increase in over two decades. According to the report, the boost is due largely to rising levels of employment and falling gas prices. But just an increase in vehicle miles traveled can’t be the whole story because the fatality rate per vehicle mile driven also increased.
For trucking, the number of deaths from accidents involving large trucks increased 4.3%. Of the 4,067 fatalities, 16.4% were occupants of the large truck, 73.5% were occupants of other vehicles, and 10.1% were not in a vehicle.
Stay safe out there. Keep your head on a swivel and the shiny side up!
Source: nhtsa, gobytrucknews, truckinginfo
I it was counted how many times I see someone holding their cell phone down below the dash as if they’re actually hiding their behavior. They don’t realize that keeping such a large following distance is a big indicator other distracted driving.
How about comparing the 4,067 deaths in crashes “involving large trucks” to who was at fault for the crash in the first place. I believe you’ll find that the “occupants of other vehicles” caused their own demise by their action (or inaction) and sometimes took the occupant(s) of the large truck with them in the process.
So……it’s not possible that the increased speed limits on our highways recently has anything to do with these fatalities? And distracted driving at 8.1%? What roads did they use for these figures….not the roads I’m driving 2000 miles a week on!
Maybe someone should look @ crunch zones that they put in the vehicles that they manufacture today. One, BIG, reason that I will not buy.
THANKS ANNE FERRARO!!! THIS BLOOD IS ON YOUR HANDS.
It’s because there are a lot more distactions in our vehicles today. Especially Mobile devices.
Wait! Has the # of accidents increased? We have to be careful here. They may use this study, as an excuse to add more regulations.
Driving up to washington early this morning. Saw several times where 4 wheelers were driving erratic. Makes you think huh?
Distracted driving has become the top 5 in vehicle crashes in both trucks and cars, with a higher increase with young drivers texting as well as other distractions.with that said,the policing today won’t enforce these laws because they are just as guilty of these violations as well.The public NEED to attend and be seriously heard at their local city council meetings.start by removing those who don’t perform their law enforcement duties at or above 100% including 911 dispatchers!!!!
Many companies have added the ELD boxes, and this has a lot to do with it…Driver forced to drive at hours they aren’t accustomed to!! These boxes causes more fatigued drivers than doing the job which is hard enough in and of itself…The government basically has no one to blame but them selves for getting involved in the first place…But do you think they’ll see that??? Keep on dreaming!!
This article is not reporting any relevant facts. It says the number of fatal crashes has increased but then gives the number of people killed, not the number of crashes. It also says the number of deaths declining since 50’s? But deaths in ’05 40k. Seriously doubt traffic deaths in the 50’s anywhere near 40k.
We also might need to look at other factors besides alcohol and distractions we all know those are there, but how many were unlicensed drivers, immigrants, young, old, city driving, hwy, country, inclement weather, aggressive drivers? I have a feeling if we looked at a larger group of stats there would be a much better picture of what’s really going on out there. As least for the bean counters. Those of us out there every day can already answer many of these questions.
Personally I was much less tired before the change in DOT regulations than I am today. If I’m tired, I can’t stop and take a nap for safety because I’m on that clock. It ticks down and makes me run tired.
Many factors contribute to vehicle accidents… Distraction, experience, maturity, volume of vehicles, time of accident, speed, location, vehicle maintenance, and quite a few others. What increase of drivers are we seeing compared to the afore mentioned studies. Statistics can be either manipulated on purpose or misrepresented or even misunderstood… The simple fact is we need to be more courteous and less distracted.