Coalition Created to Counter Growing Traffic Deaths

Traffic fatalities are on the rise in the U.S. To counter this escalating crisis, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is partnering with the National Safety Council (NSC) to initiate the ‘Road to Zero Coalition’ in order to eliminate automobile-related deaths within a 30-year period.

In 2015, there was a total of 32,744 traffic related deaths, the highest number in almost 50 years. For the first half of 2016, the number of deaths has increased by 10.4 percent compared to the first half of last year. 

Through the Road to Zero Coalition program, the DOT plans to educate drivers so that they are aware of the dangers that surround them on the road and can plan accordingly to avoid them.

The coalition plans to achieve this result by emphasizing common, but critical, practices. Some of these include: seat belt use, appropriate behavior while operating a motor vehicle, rumble strips to alert drivers veering off the road, semi-trailer truck safety and awareness, and using statistical data to educate drivers.

The Road to Zero Coalition is based on Sweden’s ‘Vision Zero’ model, which emphasizes safety over speed when designing roadways. To fund this project, the DOT plans to spend $1 million per year over the next three years. The money will go toward organizations promoting roadway safety initiatives. 

The DOT is also counting on the technological advances of automobiles and roadway safety devices to prevent drivers from entering a situation that would cause an accident. With the introduction of self-driving cars, sensor modules that warn of possible collisions, increasing camera installations and other advances car manufacturers are making, Road to Zero Coalition’s initiative seems possible.

While reaching a goal of zero traffic-related deaths is difficult, the DOT believes that this coalition will be the most effective approach to ending fatal human errors on the road.

Until the time when there are no traffic-related deaths, it is vital that accident victims and their families have an experienced lawyer on their side after a crash.

Those who have lost a loved one in an accident caused by a negligent driver may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Contact the Arnold Law Firm today to learn more about your legal options.

Contact a personal injury lawyer at the Arnold Law Firm today by calling (916) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.