The number of car accidents is on the rise, and it is causing alarm among safety advocates and motorists alike. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 6.3 million motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2019, resulting in more than 36,000 fatalities and over 2.5 million injuries.
The increase in car accidents is attributed to a variety of factors, including distracted driving, impaired driving, and an overall increase in the number of vehicles on the road. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, with drivers often taking their eyes off the road to text, talk on the phone, or even watch videos. In addition, impaired driving continues to be a major problem, with alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounting for 29% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2019.
The rise in car accidents has prompted safety advocates to call for stricter laws and tougher enforcement of existing laws. For example, some states have enacted laws that ban the use of cell phones while driving, while others are considering laws that would require drivers to wear seat belts at all times. In addition, some states have increased the penalties for impaired driving, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.
The increase in car accidents is also prompting automakers to make vehicles safer. Many automakers are now offering advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, as standard equipment on their vehicles. These features are designed to help prevent accidents by alerting drivers to potential hazards and assisting them in avoiding collisions.
The rising number of car accidents is a cause for alarm, and it is clear that more needs to be done to reduce the number of crashes. Safety advocates are calling for stricter laws, tougher enforcement, and more advanced safety features in vehicles. It is up to all of us to do our part to make our roads safer.
