Car accident injury and death are on the rise according to a report from Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety Addressing what it called the “epidemic of motor vehicle crash deaths,” the group called on state legislatures, governors, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to enact and enforce new, more stringent highway safety measures.
“We have a crisis right now in deaths on the highway. In the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, there is an incredible package that addresses this crisis that would save, literally, tens of thousands of lives, that would address the millions of injuries on our highways every single year, and save millions and millions of dollars that are associated with crashes,” said U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois), Chair, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. “But the job isn’t done, because now we have to make sure that the regulators get on the move to have the proper regulations to actually make these improvements come to life.”
Reducing Car Accident Injury and Death
The recent Roadmap Report from Advocates for Highway Safety assigns a rating to each state and Washington, DC in five categories (Occupant Protection, Child Passenger Safety, Teen Driving, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving), as well as an overall grade of “green,” “yellow,” or “red,” reflecting each state’s progress, or lack thereof, toward enactment of 16 lifesaving traffic safety laws.
Florida is one of eleven states that earned a “red” rating for being dangerously behind in enacting highway safety measures recommended by the group. Advocates for Highway Safety reported that Florida has nearly 3,000 annual highway fatalities and a high rate of car accident injury, resulting in nearly $13 billion in annual economic losses for the state.
Many of the group’s recommendations for Florida are focused on beginning drivers, including raising the minimum age for a learner’s permit from 15 to 16 years old and stronger restrictions on passengers, cell phone use, and nighttime driving for new drivers. The group also recommends that Florida strengthen booster seat laws including a law requiring rear-facing booster seats for children under two years of age. In addition, the organization supports an all-rider helmet law for motorcyclists.
Recovering Losses After a Car Accident Injury
An Orlando car accident attorney can help you recover your losses if you have suffered a car accident injury due to someone’s negligence. A settlement may include the money you spent on doctor and hospital expenses and any compensation required to cover any future medical expenditures resulting from the accident. If you have been hurt, consult with a doctor, then talk to an attorney. Call 866-730-3508 for a free consultation with a top accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida
