Reportedly, in 2015, Americans collectively traveled 3.15 trillion miles on our country's roads and highways. This number represented a profound jump from just a couple of years earlier when the total for 2013 was less than three trillion total miles traveled. The increase has been connected to the cheaper gas prices we have been enjoying in recent years.
While it may seem that lower gas prices would be nothing but positive news for road users, this is not entirely the case. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the year 2015, the United States saw a precipitous climb in fatal automobile accidents. The total number of traffic fatalities rose to 35,092, which is seven percent higher than the 2014 total. This represents the highest annual percentage increase since 1966.
The NHTSA and other agencies have a number of programs in the works aimed at curbing the increase in traffic fatalities. One possible solution, according to some transportation experts, is the use of self-driving cars.
But as you likely know, the implementation of self-driving cars is still in the developmental stage. Who knows when, or even if, the day will arrive when such vehicles will eradicate all of the dangers we encounter on the road. In the meantime, the statistics bear out the fact that driving is becoming an even more hazardous and potentially deadly endeavor.
If you should have the misfortune of losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, you may wish to seek the representation of an experienced Kentucky personal injury attorney. An attorney can perform an investigation to determine liability and work on your behalf to help you get compensation to cover expenses generated by your loss.
Source: Time, "The Dark Side of Cheap Gas? More Road Deaths," Justin Worland, Aug 30, 2016