A recent statistic has left many puzzled: The number of fatalities on American roads and highways is once again increasing. In the past year alone, there were 38,000 deaths on U.S. highways. That equates to approximately 100 Americans losing their lives each day due to motor vehicle-related crashes and accidents.
Moreover, hundreds of thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries in motor vehicle crashes, particularly brain injuries, which can have long-lasting and severe consequences for those affected.
The reason this statistic is so puzzling is that motor vehicles have never been safer. Innovations such as air bags and anti-lock brakes have significantly increased the chances of surviving a high-speed car crash compared to any other time in the history of the automobile.
However, we suspect there are several factors contributing to the rising number of highway fatalities: An aging population, the widespread issue of distracted driving due to cell phones and modern radios that demand greater hand-eye coordination than older models; high-tech features in vehicles that make speeding easier and create a false sense of security; poor road conditions that pose a significant safety risk; and a national crisis of sleep deprivation, leading more people than ever before to fall asleep at the wheel.
Regardless of the cause, these factors are amplified during holiday weekends, when roadways are more congested and drunk driving becomes a major public safety concern. It is expected that more Americans will be on the road than ever before this Memorial Day weekend.
Please take every precaution to stay safe this Memorial Day weekend, especially when driving. Above all, avoid driving under the influence and ensure that no one you know does so either.