A Decline in Fatalities but Dangers Still Exist
Traffic fatalities in the United States climbed steadily from 2013 – 2016. Thankfully, 2017 traffic statistics showed a decline and there are numerous reasons for this. Safe driving campaigns that increased awareness, as well as a crackdown on impaired drivers. Although the number of fatalities are declining, we still have too many people losing their lives on the road.
What the Statistics Have to Say
Throughout the entirety of 2017, over 37,000 individuals died in traffic related accidents. These fatalities were caused by a number of reasons; from reckless driving, to speeding or driving under the influence.
Although 37,000 lost lives is a tragically high number, it’s actually a 2% decrease from the previous year where nearly 38,000 people died. In fact, during the first half of 2018, the most recent period for which data exists, the numbers have dropped even further. Traffic fatalities were down a little over 3% from January, 2018 to June, 2018.
According to the 2017 statistics, more fatal accidents occurred in urban areas, primarily due to the number of vehicles on the roads, and roads not designed to handle excess traffic. Furthermore, the number of tractor-trailer involved accidents rose almost 6%. Drivers were also on the road 1.2% more than the prior year.
Putting It All Together
Even though the number of traffic fatalities has dropped due to public awareness and increased law enforcement vigilance, it’s clear that too many people are still losing their lives on the road. Drivers must be alert, never drive impaired, and always obey traffic laws. Only then will these numbers begin to drop even more drastically. Every life lost on the roads is one too many.
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