Risky driving behaviors drove annual national auto accident deaths to the highest level in years. The number of road fatalities in the United States increased by 10.5% last year to 42,915, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Government regulators described the rising death toll on America’s highways as an urgent situation. “This crisis on our roads is urgent and preventable,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s Deputy Administrator. “We will redouble our safety efforts, and we need everyone – state and local governments, safety advocates, automakers, and drivers – to join us. All of our lives depend on it.”
In addition to launching a technical assistance program that will help states take aggressive action to address a continued rise in auto accident deaths, NHTSA also launched the Click It or Ticket campaign, which runs concurrently with special enforcement efforts to increase public awareness about the fact that seat belts save lives.
This week, the NHTSA released money totaling $740 million for the Section 1906 Racial Profiling Data Collection Grants, Section 405 National Priority Safety Program, and Section 402 State and Community Grant Program. States are urged to use the cash to execute initiatives that address the opportunities and gaps found during the technical assistance effort, strengthen collaborations, and concentrate on risky driving, vulnerable road users, and safety issues among underrepresented groups.
Florida Auto Accident Deaths
Florida auto accident deaths increased from 3,331 deaths in 2020 to 3,753 in 2021, a 12.7% rise, making the state one of the worst in the nation when it comes to auto accident deaths. According to a recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the increase stems from increased risky driving behaviors over the past three years.
“The reversal in the frequency of U.S. drivers engaging in risky driving behavior is disturbing. While drivers acknowledge that certain activities behind the wheel – like speeding and driving impaired, are not safe, many still engage in these activities anyway,” said Dr. David Yang, Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “We must be aware of the serious consequences of dangerous driving behaviors and change course.”
Unsafe, risky driving behaviors include speeding, running lights, and driving while impaired by cannabis, alcohol, or on illegal or prescription drugs. Any of these driving behaviors constitutes negligence on the part of the vehicle operator. If your family has suffered a loss due to careless or negligent behavior, you may be entitled to compensation. Call 866-730-3508 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida.
