Via National Safety Council
\n\u200bFor the first time in nearly a decade, preliminary data from the National Safety Council estimates that as many as 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. That marks a 6% increase over 2015 and a 14% increase over 2014 \u2013 the most dramatic two-year escalation in 53 years. \u200b
\nAn estimated 4.6 million roadway users were injured seriously enough to require medical attention, a 7% increase over 2015. This means 2016 may have been the deadliest year on the roads since 2007. Estimated cost to society was $432 billion.
\n…
\nNSC is calling for immediate implementation of life-saving measures that would set the nation on a road to zero deaths:
\n* Mandate ignition interlocks for convicted drunk drivers and better education about the nature of impairment and when it begins
\n* Install and use automated enforcement techniques to catch speeders
\n* Extend laws banning all cell phone use \u2013 including hands-free \u2013 to all drivers, not just teens; upgrade enforcement from secondary to primary in states with existing bans
\n* Upgrade seat belt laws from secondary to primary enforcement and extend restraint laws to every passenger in every seating position in all kinds of vehicles
\n* Adopt a three-tiered licensing system for all new drivers under 21 \u2013 not just those under 18
\n* Standardize and accelerate into the fleet automotive safety technologies with life-saving potential, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive headlights
\n* Pass or reinstate motorcycle helmet laws
\n* Adopt comprehensive programs for pedestrian safety
\n…
\nhttps:\/\/www.nsc.org\/learn\/NSC-Initiatives\/Pages\/Fatality-Estimates.aspx<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Via National Safety Council \u200bFor the first time in nearly a decade, preliminary data from the National Safety Council estimates that as many as 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. That marks a 6% increase over 2015 and a 14% increase over 2014 \u2013 the most dramatic two-year escalation in 53 years. … <\/p>\n