Tech & Science

Traffic deaths put U.S. on track for deadliest year since 2007

Published

August 17, 2015

In a news release dated August 17, 2015, the NSC estimated traffic deaths were up 14 percent during the first six months of this year, as compared to 2014. About 19,000 people died in traffic crashes across the U.S. from January 1 to June 30, and over 2.2 million people were seriously injured.

The statistics put the country on track for having the deadliest year in traffic fatalities since 2007. The costs in deaths, injuries and property damage, in comparison to 2014, were up by 24 percent, to the tune of $152 billion.

Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council says, “Follow the numbers: the trend we are seeing on our roadways is like a flashing red light – danger lies ahead. Be a defensive driver and make safe decisions behind the wheel. Your life really depends on it.”

CNN Money is reporting that part of the increase in traffic deaths is attributed to lower fuel costs, according to the NSC news release. On average, gasoline prices are down 30 percent from 2014. In June, 2014, gasoline averaged $3.102/gal. In June 2015, gas averaged $2.885/gal. Recent data released by the US Energy Information Service, (EIS) indicates a drop in gasoline prices in the coming months to a low of $2.40/gal.

There is also another reason for more people being on the road, and that is attributed to a slowly improving economy, according to local CBS affiliate WTVR.com. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 215,000 nonfarm jobs were added in the US in July 2015, but the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.3 percent.

In this article:gas is cheaper, more cummuters, national safety council, up 14 percent, US traffic deaths

Written By Karen Graham

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.