All of the Sudden, Traffic Deaths in the United States Increased

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The latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics was for the year 2011, where the traffic agency recorded a total of 32,367 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in the United States. Said figure was the lowest number of fatalities since 1949, and was also a nearly 2-percent decline in the number of people killed from the previous year (32,999, 2010 statistics).

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland credited such decrease in the 2011 motor vehicle deaths to improved driving behavior, vehicle safety, and educational and awareness campaigns against drunk driving and for the importance of seat belt use. However, the traffic safety agency may have some explaining to do after early estimates of motor vehicle traffic deaths for 2012 showed alarming statistics.

Apparently, the number of traffic fatalities in the United States spiked from the 2011 total to a staggering 34,080, which is utterly surprising. This was a 5.3 percent increase compared to the previous year, and once the true statistics are finalized late this year or next year, the United States will see its first year-to-year increase in fatalities since 2005.

The increase was also seen in terms of seasons, geography, and the type of motor vehicle accident involved. To begin with, the vehicle miles traveled last year rose by 0.3 percent in 2012, which was attributed to the fact that the economy improved, with more and more people purchasing vehicles.

Also, with regard to seasons, a 12.6 percent increase in deaths was seen in winter, among that of spring, summer, and fall of 2012. Every quarter of the year 2012 also saw a large increase in traffic deaths than in every same quarter during the previous year.

Geographically, fatalities in motor vehicle accidents went up in the Northeast by more than 15 percent, which was the most among other geographical regions in the U.S. The South also saw a significant increase with about 10 percent, and the West comprising California, Arizona, and Hawaii topping it all off with an increase of 9 percent.

What seems to be a steady six-year decline in traffic fatalities leading up to two years ago quickly became a quick reversal in 2012. Hope that these statistics will serve as a reminder of how dangerous traffic accidents can be. Every Los Angeles vehicle accident lawyer, though, still advises motorists to exercise safety while traveling on U.S. roadways.

New NHTSA Survey Reveals Widespread Use of Cell Phones, Electronic Devices While Driving

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The month of April is the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. As such, every traffic safety agency and advocate, especially the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is urging motorists to focus more on their driving and become fully aware of the dangers of driving while being distracted with the use of phones and other electronic devices.

In fact, the NHTSA, as a way to further showcase the dangers of distracted driving and at the same time educate the people about how they can avoid it, kicked off the month-long awareness drive by releasing new survey results showing that majority of the Americans still use electronic devices while driving amidst the continuous warnings from the federal traffic agency.

The 2011 National Occupation Protection Use Survey revealed that all over America, around 660,000 drivers either tinker on their cell phones or fidget on electronic devices while driving at any given daylight moment. The said figure was relatively the same as the previous year. Notably, other NHTSA data revealed that about 387,000 people were injured in distracted driving-related crashes in 2011 and more than 3,300 were killed.

The survey data, which was first revealed via a press statement from the NHTSA released today, was a collation of obtained statistics from the 2012 Distracted Driving Attitudes and Behaviors Survey and the 2011 National Occupation Protection Use Survey on Driver Electronic Use. In other highlights from the survey data, the 2012 National Survey on Distracted Driving Attitudes and Behaviors revealed that 74 percent of respondent-drivers support hand-held cell phone use ban, while 94 percent of them likewise support the texting ban.

Department of Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood described distracted driving as “a serious and deadly epidemic on America’s roadways.” He went on to say that “powering down your cell phone when you’re behind the wheel can save lives – maybe even your own.”

Right now, a total of 39 U.S. states, including the District of Columbia, disallow texting while driving for all drivers. Moreover, 10 states plus the District of Columbia ban using handheld cell phones and other devices while behind the wheel.

In line with this month’s events, the Department of Transportation reminds drivers to turn off electronic devices and putting them out of reach before taking on the road, as well as to use safety seat belts all the time. Meanwhile, every Los Angeles auto accident attorney supports this awareness campaign on the federal level, hoping that the accidents caused by distracted driving will lessen, if not fully eradicated.

Basic Safety Tips for Los Angeles Motorcycle Riders

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Los Angeles roads are packed with different types of motor vehicles—from cars, trucks, SUVs, big rigs, and motorcycles. The city is known for its busy roads that are common places for major traffic accidents. Among the types of road accidents, motorcycle mishaps are among the most devastating since motorcycle riders do not have ample bodily protection.

Motorcycle accidents are fairly common in the Golden State. Based on the records of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the year 2009, almost 400 people were killed as a result of motorcycle accidents. Although this fatality rate is comparatively lower that others, it still poses significant threat to riders.

There are particular safety precautions Los Angeles motorcycle riders can do to avoid being involved in an accident, and these include:

1. Check motorcycle first before riding it – It is a must for all riders to check their vehicle if it is free from any mechanical problem. They should be particular with certain parts of the motorcycle, including its brake system, lights, motor, oil, tires, and fuel. Riders who think that their vehicle is not in good shape should refrain from using it and have it checked by an expert motorcycle mechanic.

2. Wear safety gears when riding – Before a rider hits the road, it is a must for him to wear all safety gears and wears. In California, all motorcycle riders are required to wear a crash helmet to protect their head in case of an accident. They are also advised to wear bright-colored outfit for them to be easily noticed by other road-users. Additionally, wearing knee and elbow pads is advised for the protection of their joints.

3. Do not drink and ride – Los Angeles motorcyclists should never ride while under the influence of alcohol as it could lead to disaster. Intoxicated motorists are more likely to be involved in a motorcycle crash because their motor and logical skills are compromised.

4. Use motorcycle lanes and do not swerve – Riders who keep on changing lanes are likely to crash their vehicle in one point. Hence, for their safety, motorcyclists are advised to ride only on motorcycle lanes. Using these lanes can save them from the dangers other bigger vehicles could cause.

Los Angeles motorcycle riders who got involved in an accident caused by another motorist should consult with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney. Hiring an attorney is important, most especially if the victim is claiming for personal injury damages.