In the first three months of 2012, highway traffic fatalities increased 13.5%. According to an analysis conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 7,500 people were killed in traffic accidents, up from 6,720 in the same time period in 2011.
Experts blame this steep rise in highway fatalities on two things:
(1) warmer weather and (2) distracted drivers.
Normally, the winter months see a decrease in the number of vehicles on the roadways due to unfavorable, and at times, extremely dangerous driving conditions; however, due to the unseasonably warm winter, more vehicles were on the road in early 2012.
Additionally, experts have noticed a sharp increase in the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers with distracted driving being the cause of approximately one out of every eleven highway fatalities.
If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney to protect your rights.
For more information on the contents of this article or any other question you may have, please contact the Zweben Law Group.