An annual report just released shows many states lag in several crucial laws which would significantly increase the safety of the highways.
The Advocates For Highway & Auto Safety’s 2017 Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws states that data from the U.S. Department of Transportation show a second year of “alarming” increases in traffic fatalities. In addition, safety measures that may help provide remedies to some of the more serious issues, preventing lives and injuries, are not being mandated across the country.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015, 35,092 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents, representing the largest increase in 50 years and preliminary reports for 2016 show that number climbing even higher. The 2015 data showed increases in nearly every type of crash including unbelted vehicle occupants and impaired and distracted drivers.
The organization called for all states to work on implementing lacking highway safety laws that would increase the safety of all on the roads.
While Oregon was listed as one of the top states in terms of highway safety, the state only has nine of the 16 recommended measures in place to make driving on the highways safer for all. The estimated annual economic cost due to motor vehicle accidents in 2015 in Oregon was $1,768 billion.
Primarily, the study pointed out the state still needs to push for more restrictions and supervision with a graduated driver’s license including turning age 16 before obtaining a learning’s permit. The group suggests Oregon also should increase booster seat law to include all children up to 8 years old and 57 inches tall.
If you or your loved one was seriously injured in any type of motor vehicle accident, it is imperative to speak with your experienced Portland auto accident attorneys. Call today for your free, initial consultation.
