The uncertainties of the past few years have resulted in low-level chaos in the supply chain, the job market and the healthcare system. Unfortunately, this trend extends to U.S. transportation as well. The rate of individuals who are experiencing fatal and serious non-fatal injuries on American roadways has spiked as well.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the rate of fatal crashes alone rose by more than 10% between 2020 and 2021. This shift is the most dramatic increase in auto accident fatalities that the nation has experienced in approximately 50 years.
What is going on?
There are a number of factors that the NHTSA has identified as contributors to this disturbing trend. Most notable among them are upticks in impaired driving, distracted driving and aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding.
It is not yet clear whether this shocking spike in fatalities will hold steady once the NHTSA releases statistics for 2022. Yet, it is important to treat this latest news seriously. By taking note of just how much more likely it is to die when driving these past few years, motorists can make proactive decisions for their own safety that will mitigate the likelihood that they’ll be injured or killed as a result of an auto accident crash.
Additionally, understanding that impaired, distracted and aggressive driving behaviors have been particularly prevalent lately can help auto accident victims to better understand that they may have grounds upon which to take legal action in the event of a crash.
These potential contributing factors to a collision aren’t always identifiable at a glance, but experienced legal guidance can help you investigate your options for recovery.