National Safety Council releases plan to curb fatal auto accidents

Safety advocates urge changes to protect public safety

The National Safety Council (NSC) recently released a plan to help curb traffic fatalities as part of its “Road to Zero” initiative to totally eliminate highway deaths in 30-years. The NSC believes state and federal regulators need to implement several initiatives to stem the increase in tragic accidents.

The four main contributing factors to auto deaths continue to be speeding, not wearing seatbelts, alcohol, and distracted driving. The Road to Zero initiative proposes policies to help alleviate these variables as factors in auto accidents, they include:

• Mandatory ignition interlocks for first time DUI offenders
• Expanded red light and speed cameras
• Promoting hands-free technology to eliminate cell phone use by drivers
• A three-tier graduated drivers licensing system extended to 21 years of age
• Mandatory universal motorcycle helmet laws and boosted pedestrian safety campaigns
• Making auto technology, like lane deviation warning systems, standardized in all cars
• Primary enforcement in every state to enforce seatbelt laws for every passenger in a vehicle

According to the NSC, an estimated 40,000 victims lost their lives in traffic collisions last year, marking a steady increase over the past decade. In addition to the human toll, traffic fatalities in 2016 came with a $432.5 billion economic impact affecting public services.

DC auto accident statistics

DC auto accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show 23 victims lost their lives in fatal car crashes in 2015. Those numbers break down to the following:

• Pedestrian : 13
• Passenger cars : 6
• Motorcycle : 3
• Bicyclist : 1

Of all these fatalities, six (26 percent) involved intoxicated drivers. While statistics on distracted driving are hard to precisely calculate for the District of Columbia, a 2014 NHTSA study concluded up to 10 percent of all fatalities nationwide may be caused by some sort of distraction to the driver.

Auto accident law firm Washington, DC

As a law firm committed to public safety, The Cochran Firm, D.C. supports programs and practices that protect our community. Furthermore, our auto accident law firm in Washington, DC strongly advocates for victims rights and ensuring wrongdoers are held responsible for their careless actions.

If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in a car crash, contact our office to discuss your case and find out if you could be entitled to compensation. All calls are free, confidential, and come with no obligation.