Report: 2016 saw an increase in traffic fatalities

How deadly were America’s roads last year? Well, according to recent estimates, 2016’s traffic fatality total topped 40,000 for the nation. You have to go back to 2007 for the last time that particular mark was passed.

The estimates come from the National Safety Council. The estimates put America’s traffic death total for 2016 at 40,200. This total is 6 percent higher than the one from 2015 and 14 percent higher than the one from 2014.

So, it appears that the past couple of years have seen substantial increases in fatal crashes out on the nation’s roads. Many different things have been put forward as potentially playing a role in this increase, including: distracted driving, an improving economy and the current condition of traffic laws and enforcement in the various states.

This traffic death trend is something many may find quite worrisome, given how much time individuals can spend out on the roads. It serves as a reminder that the roads can be a deadly place and that it is important for all drivers to play their part in trying to keep things as safe as possible. Among the things that can be critical in playing this part is staying away from careless and reckless conduct when at the wheel.

Fatal traffic crashes can take a huge toll on families. While nothing can ever make up for the loss of a loved one in a traffic accident, there are things that can help a family in the wake of such a loss. One is any compensation rights they have related to the crash being respected and preserved. Skilled attorneys can assist Nebraska families with navigating compensation matters in the wake of fatal auto accidents.

Source: The New York Times, “U.S. Traffic Deaths Rise for a Second Straight Year,” Neal E. Boudette, Feb. 15, 2017