A new report shows that auto accident fatalities in 2015 may have increased compared to last year. For 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a slight decline in traffic deaths. But for the first six months of 2015, there has been a marked increase. The agency took this as a call to action for improved safety on the road.

Although the overall trend had been declining through 2014, some accident statistics remained constant. Drunk driving deaths still accounted for about one-third of all motor collision fatalities. Failure to wear seat belts was a factor in 50 percent of fatalities, and speeding accounted for one in four deaths.

Car accidents are the leading cause of wrongful death lawsuits in the United States and are a leading cause of death for people under 45.

Although new safety technologies such as blind spot monitors, collision detection, automatic braking and more can help reduce the risk of an accident, over 94 percent of auto accidents are due to human error.

Leading Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

  • Speeding Speeding is a factor in one in four fatal motor vehicle collisions. Speeding makes it harder to avoid objects that might unexpectedly appear in front of you, increasing the chances of a crash.
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI) About 40 percent of traffic fatalities involve alcohol. Alcohol slows your reaction time, can cause vision problems and increases the likelihood of reckless driving.
  • Distracted Driving Distracted driving has become a leading cause of car accidents. Smartphones are everywhere and take away your visual, motor and cognitive attention. It only takes a few seconds of distraction to cause a deadly crash.
  • Not Wearing a Seatbelt About half of all people killed in cars were not wearing their seatbelts. Seatbelts prevent your body from flying into the windshield, reducing the risk of severe head injury and death in a collision.

You can help reduce the risk of car accidents by avoiding these bad habits. Slow down, stay alert, buckle up, and never drink and drive. Even if you are the safest of drivers, you cant control the behavior of others on the road.

If a loved one has been killed in car accident by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced car accident lawyers at The Edwards Law Firm will work to get you the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.