Georgia readers might be relieved to learn that U.S. traffic deaths dipped in 2018, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It’s the second straight year that deaths have gone down.
In 2015 and 2016, American traffic fatalities sharply increased, alarming road safety advocates across the country. The spikes were blamed on an improving U.S. economy and more cars being on the road. However, after a slight dip in 2017, fatalities dropped another 2.4% to 36,560 in 2018. In addition, preliminary numbers for the first half of 2019 show traffic deaths have dropped another 3.4%. Experts believe that advanced safety technologies in vehicles are partially responsible for the decline.
While overall traffic deaths continued a downward trend in 2018, the NHTSA found that pedestrian fatalities increased by 3.4% to 6,283, which is the highest total in 28 years. In addition, cyclist deaths spiked by 6.3%, and deaths involving large trucks went up by nearly 1%. According to the advocacy group, the Truck Safety Coalition, 4,951 individuals were killed in large truck accidents last year. The group also reports that truck-related traffic fatalities have increased by a whopping 46.5% over the last 10 years.
Georgia residents who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents might wish to discuss their case with a personal injury attorney. After reviewing the crash details, a lawyer might suggest filing a civil lawsuit against the other driver involved in the collision. This may result in a settlement that covers a victim’s medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, lost income and other accident-related losses. If someone was killed in a crash, his or her family has the right to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship and more.
