Traffic Fatalities Increase Nationwide

Miami, FL (Law Firm Newswire) October 26, 2015 – In the first half of 2015, fatal car accidents have surged dramatically.

According to the National Safety Council, traffic fatalities rose 14 percent in the first six months of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. In 2014, 32,675 people died in car accidents, and the safety council said that if the current pace continues, the U.S. could exceed 40,000 traffic fatalities this year, for the first time in eight years.

The increase in roadway deaths comes at a time when traffic safety has actually advanced considerably. Experts say that the roads have not become more dangerous; there are just more people on them.

“The combination of low unemployment and low gas prices means that more Americans are driving,” said Jason Chalik, a Florida car accident attorney with Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers. “Unfortunately, that also means more traffic accidents.”

However, problems such as distracted driving, drunk or impaired driving and not wearing seatbelts also add to the death toll.

The rise in traffic fatalities goes against the long-term trend, in which roadway deaths have decreased steadily over the past half-century, as traffic laws became stricter and cars became safer. However, in the first half of 2015, Americans drove a record 1.54 trillion miles, beating the previous record set in 2007. This year, gas prices hit their lowest Labor Day price in more than a decade, according to AAA, with the average price more than a dollar below last year.

Florida has seen an even worse jump in highway deaths, with a 29 percent rise in the first half of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

“With more cars on the road, it’s even more important for drivers to avoid distractions and practice defensive driving,” said Chalik. “Stay safe out there.”

Learn more at http://www.chaliklaw.com/. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers 28 W Flagler St, #1000 Miami, FL 33130 Phone: (305) 944-2035

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