Illinois Traffic Fatality Attorneys
Thanks to stricter laws and advances in technology, you’d expect our roadways to be safer than ever – but you’d be wrong. Starting in 2006, U.S. traffic fatalities began decreasing, and they continued to decrease for six straight years. But in 2012, fatal accidents suddenly spiked. Vehicle related deaths went up 4.4% in a single year, and the numbers continue to rise. Our attorneys are experienced in Chicago workers compensation claims, so they know first-hand how serious this rising trend in fatalities truly is.
Although traffic fatalities are rising, the U.S. isn’t the most dangerous country for drivers. Out of every 100,000 drivers on the road every year, only 12.2 will be killed in an accident – a number that’s much smaller than what you’ll find when you examine some other countries. Currently, the country with the most dangerous driving conditions is the small African nation of Eritrea, where 48.4 drivers out of every 100,000 will be killed annually. This helps to put things into perspective, but it doesn’t change the fact that traffic fatalities are growing in the U.S.
What’s causing the trend? Many experts are blaming it on something that seems a little strange – the weather. Jacob Nelson, a director of traffic safety advocacy and research at AAA, has said that “while it is likely not the only factor involved, AAA agrees that warmer-than-average winter weather may have contributed to higher vehicle miles traveled, and ultimately more fatal crashes.”
Of course, Mother Nature isn’t the only one contributing to traffic fatalities. Drivers these days are more distracted than ever before. They’re talking on their phones, they’re texting and they’re even playing games and watching videos on their tablets or smart phones while driving. As the weather gets warmer and even more distracted drivers take to the roads, we can expect traffic fatalities to increase.
You can protect yourself by staying alert, wearing your seatbelt, banishing in-car distractions and observing all traffic laws. But remember that accidents can happen to anyone – even to responsible motorists. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an auto accident, you’ll need the help of a team of lawyers who can help you find justice for traffic injuries or traffic fatalities. Drivers who were hurt on the job may need help filing Chicago workers compensation claims. If you’ve been in an auto accident, contact our attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca today.
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