The federal government’s most recent report on the nation’s fatal driving accidents shows that the number of people killed in motor vehicle crashes jumped 7 percent between 2014 and 2015. And in that same period, the number of people who died in Missouri driving accidents about doubled that nationwide increase.
In May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its 2015 State Traffic Data report, comparing statistics on motor vehicle accident deaths in 2014 and 2015. It revealed that 35,092 people died in traffic crashes nationwide in 2015 – a 7 percent increase over 2014.
Thirty five states experienced a rise in fatal motor vehicle accidents between 2014 and 2015. Missouri is in that group, with 869 people dying in car and commercial truck crashes. That’s a one-year jump of 13 percent, or almost twice the national average. Neighboring Illinois saw an 8 percent increase.
40 Percent of Missouri Traffic Deaths Involved a Commercial Truck
In 2015, 41 percent of Missouri’s motor vehicle accident deaths involved commercial tractor-trailers. That’s a little higher than the national average of 38 percent. It’s also a sobering statistic that illustrates the dangers posed by big rigs that weigh tons, and the necessity for truckers to act responsibly behind the wheel.
A more broad and detailed report on motor vehicle crashes for 2015 that the NHSTA released in April shows that 60 percent of the nation’s fatal crashes involving large trucks were a result of a collision with another vehicle either in the front or the back. Both impact points can be signs of driver inattentiveness.
More Than a Third of Missouri Crash Deaths Linked to Speeding Drivers
Regardless of the type of vehicle involved, the majority of traffic deaths in Missouri in 2015 were attributed to two reckless driving behaviors: speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the NHTSA report, about 36 percent of all 2015 traffic fatalities in Missouri were linked to a driver exceeding the speed limit. The national average for 2015 was 29 percent.
And more than a quarter – 26 percent – of Missouri traffic deaths in 2015 were attributed to drunk drivers; those who registered a blood alcohol content of at least .08 percent.
The tragedy that 869 people in Missouri lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2015 is compounded by the fact that so many of the deaths were preventable.
If you had a family member killed in a crash caused by a commercial truck driver or another passenger vehicle, a motor vehicle accident lawyer can pursue your legal rights to just compensation for your loss.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertising.
Authored by Gray Ritter Graham, posted in Blog June 9, 2017
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