The first three months of 2012 brought a 13.5 percent increase in auto accident fatalities compared to the same period last year, according to CNN.
Tragically, within the first quarter of 2012 an estimated 7,630 people were killed in auto accidents, compared to 6,720 deaths in 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In addition to the harrowing losses caused by these fatalities, the rise in auto accident deaths unfortunately comes at the end of a decrease in these types of fatalities. Since the first quarter of 2006, annual auto accident deaths had been steadily falling, from 9,558 deaths in the first quarter of 2006 to 6,720 deaths in the same time period of 2011. Reasons for this year’s significant increase are not yet clear, although DUI and distracted driving are likely factors.
According to CNN, some traffic officials have theorized this past winter’s unusually warm weather may be a contributing factor to the increase. There are more cars on the road when the weather is warmer, and more cars driving more miles typically means more auto accidents.
The auto accident statistics come from the NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Facts published July 2012.
If you have been injured in an auto accident in Orlando, Florida caused by someone else’s carelessness, please contact the Law Offices of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D.