Group Calls for Tougher Traffic Safety Laws
Over the last ten years, the number of traffic fatalities in the United States has fallen to record lows. A variety of factors, including better road conditions, improved vehicle safety standards and public awareness campaigns against behaviors such as drunk driving have all contributed to safer roadways. Because of a recent increase in the number of fatal car accidents, however, one safety group suggests that years of declining road deaths has led to complacency among lawmakers.
February 02, 2013
Group Calls for Tougher Traffic Safety LawsOver the last ten years, the number of traffic fatalities in the United States has fallen to record lows. A variety of factors, including better road conditions, improved vehicle safety standards and public awareness campaigns against behaviors such as drunk driving have all contributed to safer roadways. Because of a recent increase in the number of fatal car accidents, however, one safety group suggests that years of declining road deaths has led to complacency among lawmakers.
Number of Fatalities Increasing?
According to preliminary statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in early December, the number of traffic fatalities in the United States actually increased 71. percent for the first nine months of 2012 over the same period in 2011. This marks the largest year-by-year jump in traffic fatalities since 1975.
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit group, hopes that the recently published statistics will prove to be a wake-up call for legislators across the country and will show that there is still work to be done. In 2010, legislatures across the country enacted a total of 22 new traffic safety laws aimed at everything from seat belt use, distracted driving and teen driving safety. 2012, however, saw only 10 new safety laws. Of course, safety advocates are battling not only lawmaker complacency brought on by years of dropping fatality numbers, but also a general anti-regulatory mood in many state capitals.
Of particular concern is the failure of some states to make offenses related to seat belt use and distracted driving primary offenses. As it stands in many jurisdictions, they are secondary offenses, which means that police officers may only issue a citation to a driver if he stops them for something else first, such as speeding. Safety groups believe that making these primary offenses not only provides police officers with important tools to make the roads safer, but also sends a message about the importance of seat belt use and avoiding distraction while behind the wheel.
A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you get the fair and adequate compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. For more information about what a personal injury attorney can do for you, contact a lawyer today.
Article provided by Dolan & Mayerson, PC
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