According to an initial report issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there has been a significant increase in traffic fatalities between 2014 and 2015. In 2014 there were 32,675 reported deaths due to traffic accident, and that figure rose to 35,200 in 2015; a difference of 7.7%.
U.S. Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx was appalled by this figure, “Americans should be able to navigate American roads without fearing for their lives”, he said. Further in the interview, Traffic Secretary Foxx expounded on the efforts being made to ascertain the reason behind this increase in traffic fatalities.
The Director of the NHTSA, Mark Rosekind suggested that the improving economy has allowed Americans to drive further and this increases the possibility of accidents, especially fatal ones. “Nevertheless,” says Mark Rosekind, “Human error is the major cause of traffic accidents. With 94% of all traffic fatalities being caused by human negligence or poor judgement, it is imperative that this is where the death toll is addressed and reduced.”
The NHTSA has responded to the increase in traffic fatalities decisively. The Administration has initiated campaigns and programs to reduce the occurrences of drivers navigating our roadways while drunk, distracted or sleepy, saying that reinforcing driving education is the primary way to reduce human errors.
Including negotiating many new safety features for automotive manufacturers, the Administration has also sought the professional help of elected government officials, scientists and technicians as well as policy experts to cooperate in a task to uncover definitive responses to the rising death rate. Creative solutions in technologies, safety features and even traffic policy can be expected to minimize the risk of driving.
One point that was illustrated as being essentially important was the sudden increase of traffic related fatalities during 4th of July weekend and other festive days. Drivers are routinely reminded exercise extreme caution when operating their motor vehicles at these times.
In addition to reminding the public to exercise caution, an increase in drunken driving initiatives throughout municipal areas during the holidays has been found effective in imparting better driving practices that can keep motorists but especially pedestrians and cyclists safe on our roadways.
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