New York motorists may be concerned to learn that there were approximately 40,100 traffic-related deaths in 2017, according to preliminary figures from the National Safety Council. It is the second year in a row that motor vehicle accidents claimed more than 40,000 lives in the U.S. In 2016, 40,327 people were killed on American roadways.
In addition to the fatalities, the NSC estimates that car accidents seriously injured around 4.57 million people in 2017, which is similar to the number of injuries reported in 2016. The organization also reports that the estimated annual fatality rate was 1.25 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles driven in 2017, which represents a 2 percent decline from the previous year. Meanwhile, vehicle miles driven increased approximately 1 percent. The societal costs of these accidents and injuries totaled nearly $414 billion.
Each month, the NSC gathers traffic fatality records from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It also accesses data from the National Center for Health Statistics. A spokesperson for the organization said that the U.S. is too complacent about traffic fatalities and that safety improvements are needed in order to drive the number of annual deaths down to zero. Negligent drivers are frequently to blame for motor vehicle crashes. Examples of negligent driving behaviors include speeding and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When someone is injured by a negligent driver, he or she has the right to pursue legal action in court. A personal injury attorney could use crash reconstruction reports and other evidence to prove the at-fault driver was responsible for the crash, which could lead to a financial settlement. Injured victims could learn more about their legal options by speaking with an attorney.
Source: Insurance Journal, “Motor Vehicle Deaths in U.S. Again Top 40,000“, Feb. 16, 2018