Drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians in Illinois should be keenly aware of the dangers on the road and how much damage can be done if they are involved in a car accident. In some instances, these crashes are so severe that they result in a death. Researchers are constantly trying to find out why these accidents occur in an effort to reduce their frequency. One particular report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that there are more fatal car accidents in the United States than in other countries described as “high-income.”
According to the study, there were an average of 90 deaths on the road per day in the U.S. in 2013. That came to more than 32,000 for the year. Even with that, over the last 13 years, the U.S. has experienced a significant reduction – 31 percent – in the number of fatalities per capita. This, however, pales in comparison to the numbers that 19 other countries that are considered wealthy have achieved, at 56 percent in the same time frame. The U.S. is actually at the bottom of the list of amount of reduction.
Data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the World Health Organization from the years 2000 to 2013 were examined and assessed as part of the study. Calculated were a variety of accidents from those involving motor vehicles to construction accidents. The U.S. was at the top in fatalities for every 100,000 people and 10,000 registered vehicles. The U.S. ranked second in alcohol-related deaths with regard to car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated there was an increase in these types of wrecks of 7.7 percent in 2015 compared to 2014. Other issues that were referenced as leading to accidents include speeding and smartphone usage while operating a vehicle.
These statistics are an important indicator as to how we are doing in preventing the loss of loved ones through negligence, recklessness, and other issues. Accidents will still happen in spite of this research, though, and those who are left behind after a relative is killed in a fatal car accident need to know that they have the right to seek compensation through a legal filing. Discussing the matter with a legal professional experienced in helping clients who have lost a loved one in an automobile accident can be beneficial toward that end.
Source: CNN, “U.S. has highest car crash death rate, despite progress, CDC says,” Aria Hangyu Chen, July 7, 2016
