The National Safety Council announced that it will partner with federal agencies and safety groups in an effort to end traffic fatalities within 30 years. Officials noted that self-driving vehicles and other automation will be necessary to achieve this goal. The technology cited includes safety features such as automatic brakes, and warning systems to help keep cars in the correct lanes.
This announcement followed recently released statistics showing a dramatic increase in traffic fatalities in the U.S. during the first six months of 2016. At this rate, deaths could exceed 40,000 for the year – making 2016 the deadliest driving year since 2008.
Human error remains a critical cause in the majority of accidents. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) research shows that younger drivers are at the highest risk for dying. Although they drive less than most Americans, teenagers crash three times more often than drivers older than age 20 due largely to driving distractions. Further, drivers in their 20s represent the largest percentage of drivers distracted by cellphones, which constitutes a serious safety risk to all drivers on the roadways. U.S. officials hope that developments in self-driving technologies will decrease the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by distracted drivers.
In the meantime, distracted driving continues to be a safety issue for motorists, bikers and pedestrians. If you were seriously injured due to a distracted driver, please call us at 251-471-6191 for legal advice. Our Mobile, Alabama personal injury lawyers will evaluate your potential case free of charge.