If you drive a modern car, truck or SUV, your vehicle undoubtedly has hundreds of safety features. Even though these features should keep you safe during a car accident, they do not eliminate your odds of dying or suffering a serious injury in one.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of U.S. traffic fatalities reached a 12 -year high in 2021. That year, almost 43,000 Americans lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents. Why are traffic fatalities on the rise in the U.S., though?
Distracted driving
Most vehicles on the road today are surprisingly simple to drive. This simplicity may lure drivers into a false sense of security. That is, drivers may reach for their smartphones or engage in other distracting behaviors when they are behind the steering wheels of their vehicles. Drivers who do not pay enough attention to the driving task are often accidents waiting to happen.
Impaired driving
It is dangerous to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Despite safety campaigns and heightened enforcement, impaired driving continues to be all too common on U.S. roadways. Because impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and engage in riskier driving maneuvers, they often cause or contribute to fatal car accidents.
Aggressive driving
Some motorists simply cannot seem to contain their anger when they drive. Aggressive driving, which may include tailgating, speeding or even road rage, is inherently dangerous. Until drivers calm down significantly, aggressive driving puts you in extreme danger.
The NHTSA has released recommendations for reducing the number of traffic fatalities on U.S. roadways. Until motorists decide to do better, though, you or someone you love may have an ever-increasing chance of dying in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident.