Tag: traffic crashes

The National Safety Council (NSC) just released estimates that as many as 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. This is a 6% increase over 2015 in traffic fatalities and a 14% increase over 2014. The 2014 to 2016 increase in traffic fatalities marked the largest increase in 53 years, according to the NSC.

With the upward trend in traffic fatalities, the NSC is calling for the immediate implementation of life-saving measures, including:

  • Mandatory ignition interlocks for convicted drunk drivers
  • Automated enforcement techniques to catch speeders
  • Laws banning cell phone use
  • Upgrade seatbelt laws
  • Adopt a three-tiered licensing system for all new drivers under 21
  • Standardize and accelerate automotive safety technologies
  • Pass or reinstate motorcycle helmet laws
  • Adopt comprehensive pedestrian safety programs

Increase in Traffic Deaths a Call to Action

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) said that the increase in traffic fatalities was a call to action for the highway safety community. In a statement released by the GHSA, they named three predominant factors in contributing to traffic deaths. The factors include seat belt use, alcohol and speeding. Driver distractions and “our society’s addition to electronic devices” were also mentioned by the GHSA as likely playing a role in the increase in fatalities.

Risky Behaviors Can Cause Traffic Crashes

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, young millennials top the list of worst behaved drivers. A new report from the Foundation found that 88 percent of young millennials engaged in at least one risky behavior behind the wheel in the past 30 days. The behaviors, which increase crash risk, included texting while driving, red-light running and speeding. Alarmingly, a high percentage of drivers of all ages surveyed responded that they had engaged in a risky behavior while driving in the past 30 days. The new survey was completed to identify attitudes and behaviors related to traffic safety.

The car accident attorneys in Wilkes-Barre encourage everyone to drive safely and free of distractions. We’ve seen the devastating results of car crashes and want you to be safe. If you need to speak to a car accident lawyer, call Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen in Wilkes-Barre today for a free consultation. Call 570-970-5400.

 

Starting this week, Pennsylvania motorists must be aware of a new PA child safety seat law. Drivers must be sure that rear facing car seats are used for all children under the age of two. The measure officially becomes a new PA law on Friday, August 12. Parents are cautioned to follow the manufacturers height and weight requirements on their seats. Sometimes children will still be within the ranges, even if they are 2 or older.

Rear facing seats are said to lower the risk of death or serious injury in the event of a crash. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% in infants and by 54% for toddlers. On average, three children were killed and 470 children injured every day in traffic crashes in 2013.

Pennsylvania is the fourth state to enact a rear-facing child safety seat law for young children. Similar laws have been passed in New Jersey, California and Oklahoma. Under the existing law, all children under 4 years of age must be restrained in an approved child passenger restraint system, and children between 4 and 8 years of age must be restrained in a booster seat. The new law requires children under age 2 to ride rear facing. The new regulations are based on 2011 recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Using an approved child safety seat correctly and according to the law is the best protection you can give your child. Be sure to use the correct type of car seat for your child’s age, height and weight. Child safety seats do save lives.

At Distasio & Kowalski, safety is our top concern.

Please take note of this new PA child safety seat law. If you or your child have been seriously injured in a car or truck accident, contact the injury lawyers at Distasio & Kowalski in Wilkes-Barre today at 570-970-5400 for a free consultation.