Does it seem like there have been more fatal car crashes during the last year than usual? You aren’t losing your mind. The United States is coming off of the steepest increase in vehicular fatalities since 1964.
Experts Analyze Fatal Car Crashes
With an average of 42,677 fatal car crashes in the United States from the years 1975-1980, the mortality rate has steadily declined in the past 30 years. This decrease was largely the byproduct of better road conditions, stiffer penalties for vehicular crimes, and higher safety standards.
Experts predict that the recent surge in fatal car crashes largely stems from an improved economy. Today, more people can drive further for less money. They’ll most likely have a smartphone handy while doing so.
Common Distractions
ABC News recently filmed a live segment to document the most common causes of fatal accidents behind the wheel.
What they found was shocking:
The highest number of fatalities from motor vehicles were caused by conversations held while driving.
Things like joking around while driving is a common cause of car accidents.
The second most common distraction with a fatal outcome was phone usage while driving.
Approximately sixty percent of accidents resulted from mobile phone usage in a vehicle.
This statistic offers some light cause for alarm: the iPhone came out around ten years ago, meaning more children who grew up texting and posting to social media are now receiving drivers’ licenses.
How Teens Responded
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation conducted an anonymous survey to measure the number of young teens receiving a license. Between the years of 2005 and 2012 (shortened to the last few years), the Department of Transportation collected these statistics:
Number of Permits Issued to Teens, 2010-2012:
| Calendar Year | Age at Permit Issue | Total for Age by Year | Age at License Issue | Total for Age by Year |
| 2010 | 16 | 53,413 | 16 | 30,790 |
| 17 | 10,185 | 17 | 16,884 | |
| 18 | 10,272 | 18 | 12,541 | |
| 19 | 6,348 | 19 | 5,567 | |
| 2011 | 16 | 53,374 | 16 | 30,886 |
| 17 | 9,845 | 17 | 15,753 | |
| 18 | 10,373 | 18 | 12,365 | |
| 19 | 6,775 | 19 | 5,864 | |
| 2012 | 16 | 52,754 | 16 | 31,468 |
Contact an Experienced Attorney
Most people will cooperate in the case of an accident; however, some occasionally will not. Contacting a lawyer in the case of a car accident is a prudent move. It’s better to be safe than sorry, regardless of the circumstances. Having a lawyer on your side will help you to assess, and claim, any damages that you might be entitled to.
Over 25 years as an attorney, Peter Ventura has successfully prosecuted for millions of dollars in damages, for all types of negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of another motorist, contact us today at (888) 251-7535 or (508) 755-7535 for a free consultation.
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