The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reporting that after five consecutive years of declines in the number of traffic fatalities nationwide, traffic fatalities increased by 7.2%, or 2,348 people, from 2014 to 2015. The last greatest increase in traffic fatalities in a single year occurred in 1966, when fatalities rose 8.1% from 1965. As a result, the U.S. Transportation Secretary issued a call to action to continue taking measures to reduce the number of traffic fatalities, as the annual number of deaths is still too high. Although significant progress has been made over the past ten years, resulting in 25% fewer traffic-related fatalities, more work toward a goal of zero deaths is still necessary.
One factor that NHTSA noted in its report that may have contributed to the increase in traffic fatalities was the aggregate number of miles driven by drivers. From 2014 to 2015, job growth and lower gas prices both resulted in increased driving for leisure activities and by young people. This caused a 3.5% increase in the vehicle miles traveled in 2015, which was the largest increase in 25 years.
Along with this large increase in traffic fatalities, the report noted the highest number of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities in 20 years. Likewise, motorcyclist fatalities increased by more than eight percent. Human factors largely contributed to the overall increases in motor vehicle-related fatalities, as almost half of the passenger vehicle occupants killed were not wearing their seatbelts. One in three fatalities involved drunk drivers or speeding, whereas one of every ten fatalities involved distracted driving.
The Madison personal injury lawyers of Boller & Vaughan devote their time to advocating on behalf of clients who have fallen victim to all types of car accidents, whether they are pedestrians, drivers, passengers, or bicyclists. Our job is to seek compensation for you and your family through the applicable legal framework, while you can focus on healing from your injuries and rebuilding your life with your family. Never hesitate to call our office for legal advice and counsel about your situation, so that we make our experience and knowledge work for you.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes Child Passenger Safety Week each September in an effort to highlight the importance of properly buckling up children in the correct car seat for their size and […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) have announced a joint rule that potentially would require trucks, buses, and passenger vehicles in excess of 26,000 pounds […]
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
