Traffic Fatalities in Missouri Increase

At the end of September, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a dramatic increase in fatalities, especially in the Southwest corner of the state. According to the Highway Patrol, there has been a 36 percent increase in traffic fatalities for this area – which is much higher than the rest of the state or even the country. Statewide, there has been an 11 percent increase.

Studies show that it is  likely that distracted driving is a substantial contributing factor for the rise in Missouri traffic fatalities. This makes sense as more people rely upon cell phones and cell service, even in rural areas,  is becoming more reliable.   (more…)

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An Increase in Traffic Fatalities Nationwide

So far in 2015 there has been a 14 percent increase in traffic-related fatalities. This is the deadliest traffic year since 2007, which is cause for concern. In 2015 there were more than 18,600 motor-vehicle deaths from January to June – compared to a total of 16,400 deaths in the first six months of 2014. The cost of these accident-related deaths and property damage is estimated at $152 billion – which is up by 24 percent from 2014.

What is Causing the Increase in Traffic Deaths?

Unfortunately the increase in the accident fatalities for 2015 is primarily distracted driving. Because drivers are easily distracted on the roads – whether by a smartphone, tablet, or even by their vehicle’s GPS system – they are no longer watching the road ahead. This distraction has led to more accidents and obviously more deaths than years prior. According to the NSC, American drivers are addicted to their devices and they would rather sacrifice their own safety than put their devices down long enough to drive.
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