Troubling increase in traffic deaths
Lewis DiuguidTraffic deaths jumped 5 percent last year, and more than one culprit was behind the increase.
The National Safety Council found that an estimated 36,200 people died in motor vehidle crashes in 2012, up from 34,600 deaths in 2011. Injuries requiring medical care also rose 5 percent last year to 3.9 million, The Associated Press reports.
More people took to the roads because of the milder weather and improved economy, increasing the possibility of traffic crashes, the council said. But another cause could have been inattentiveness caused by cellphones and texting.
In addition, more motorcycles are on the road, increasing the likelihood of fatal crashes with them. Pedestrian and bicyclist deaths also were up.
The council’s estimated cost of motor vehicle deaths in 2012 was $276.6 billion.
Matt Henry
3 months, 3 weeks agoWomen, children and minorities disproportionately effected.