Can U.S. Really Get To Zero Car Deaths?

Whether you are commuting to work or simply cruising along a country road in South Carolina, you are putting yourself at risk of getting into an accident. The number of wrongful deaths resulting from car accidents is on the rise, not only in South Carolina but also across the country.

Of course, it’s unrealistic to expect people not to drive their cars. Our vehicles have become such an integral part of our everyday lives, there is absolutely no way to completely minimize the risk of getting into a car accident. If you do happen to be in an accident that results in an injury, or someone you love is killed in a fatal car accident, you will want to partner with an experienced personal injury attorney who can show compassion while also achieving the best results possible.

“We’re from the government, and we’re here to help”

While wrongful deaths as a result of car accidents are on the rise, it should be noted that the U.S. government is looking to do something about it. The Obama Administration recently announced that it wants to significantly lower traffic injuries and fatalities – in fact, their goal is to eliminate these injuries and deaths completely. In October 2016, officials from the U.S. Transportation Department released a plan that would eliminate car deaths within 30 years.

Highlights of U.S. Department of Transportation Plan to Eliminate Traffic Injuries and Fatalities

• Promote Seat Belt Use and Advocate for Seat Belt Safety – For years now, individual states as well as the federal government have been advocating for the increased use of seat belts while driving. In some states, drivers actually can be ticketed for not wearing their seat belts. It has been proven time and time again by safety experts that proper seat belt use can significant reduce the risk of death or injury while driving or riding in a car.
• Encourage Use of Rumble Strips in Road Construction – Across the country, road construction takes over during the summer months. As these projects are planned and executed, transportation officials plan to encourage the use of rumble strips along the side of roads. These strips of pavement make a loud, startling noise as well as create vibrations as a car drives over them. The rumble strips are designed to awaken a driver who may be dozing, or alert a driver who may be inadvertently swerving to the side of the road.
• Implement Additional Campaigns Against Distracted Driving and Drunk Driving – Distracted driving and drunk driving contribute to many of the traffic accidents on the road today. Distracted driving has been particularly prevalent in the last decade, as people have taken to texting while driving and using their mobile devices while operating a vehicle. These campaigns are designed to provide drivers with insight into the dangers of distracted driving and drunk driving, as well as outline the severe consequences that are in place for these offenses.

Trusting technology over human error

Transportation department officials also noted that the continued development of autonomous vehicles will increase the likelihood of the campaign’s success. Given the fact that 94 percent of car accidents are the result of human error, these vehicles that operate without human influence may significantly decrease the number of deaths and injuries that occur on the road.

Nationwide, car deaths increased by more than 7 percent in 2015. This is a trend that is taking place in South Carolina as well. If you have recently lost a loved one in a South Carolina traffic accident, you need to contact a personal injury attorney immediately. Working with a personal injury attorney allows you to seek damages in the wrongful death of your loved one.

Lawyers are starting to get experience in this area of the law

An experienced legal professional will guide you through the process, and will collect the details necessary in order to create a winning case for you. At this time, you are suffering enough. You are experiencing significant emotional trauma associated with an unexpected traffic fatality, and your first priority should be grieving and healing with your family. Allow a personal injury attorney to advocate for you, and work to get you the results you both need and deserve.