Traffic deaths in the United States have increased 9% during the first 6 months of 2012 over the same period in 2011. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that the increase in motor vehicle deaths from auto accidents, truck accidents and motorcycle accidents was the largest increase since 1975.
The AAA reported that sixteen thousand people have died in these crashes so far this year. A spokesperson for The AAA opined that a delay by the states and the federal government to implement road repair programs may be to blame. CNN who reported on these statistics and opinions seemed to also speculate that the reason for the fatality increase could be due to an increase in vehicle traffic on the road. This conclusion violates statistical investigation standards since it is obvious that there is more traffic as the population grows. The real issue is whether or not there has been a significant percentage increase in these potential wrongful deaths based on a fixed number of motor vehicles on the road over a given time period compared to an identical time period in prior years.
As an Indio personal injury attorney who has handled hundreds of vehicle crash cases over the last several years I am aware of the increase in traffic related deaths and I am of the opinion that distracted driving related to cell phone use including texting; and the use of prescribed medication by drivers are contributing factors to the rise in traffic related deaths. I have blogged on these subjects over the last two months.
If you have lost a loved one due to a traffic related death you may decide when you are able to contact the Coachella Valley wrongful death lawyer at the firm of Barry Regar A Professional Law Corporation for a personal interview concerning your loss and your legal rights. The consultation is free.