Car accident fatalities decline in 2019

According to national statistics, the traffic safety picture in Nevada and across the country is on a positive trend. The National Safety Council said that while 38,800 people were killed in traffic accidents across the country in 2019, this marked a decline in deaths for the second year in a row. This number marks a 2% drop from the 2018 numbers and a 4% decline from 2017. Overall, traffic deaths have been on a long-term decline since the 1970s, with the introduction of seatbelts, airbags and a wide range of safety technologies. However, in 2015 and 2016, there were significant increases in the number of deaths on the roadways.

While this is a sign of a positive direction, it also means that tens of thousands of people lose their lives in motor vehicle accidents every year, while many more are seriously injured. Some areas raise special concerns. For example, distracted driving continues to be a serious concern. Widespread public awareness campaigns have highlighted the dangers of texting while behind the wheel, but many people continue to do so. Thousands of accidents are caused each year by this reckless behavior.

The impact of safety technologies is also in question. While few doubt the importance of seat belts and airbags in saving lives, some newer, semi-autonomous technologies have sparked doubts. These features, like crash avoidance, lane-change detection and adaptive cruise control, require active and alert drivers, but some motorists may put too much faith in the systems and remain distracted as a result.

People who have been injured in car crashes may need extensive medical care and treatment. An experienced attorney may help them seek compensation for their losses.