Statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show traffic fatalities in the first six months of 2016 have increased 10.4 percent since last fall. According to NHTSA, a spike in fatal accidents this large has not occurred in 50 years.

NHTSA also estimates that 2016 could see more traffic fatalities than 2008, a year where 37,423 people were killed in auto accidents. An article in The Atlantic claims that although NHTSA did not include a cause for the increase in fatal accidents, distracted driving and lack of seatbelt use may be to blame. Other organizations have gathered statistics that strengthen this claim.

An AT&T survey claims 70 percent of motorists use their phones while driving, despite an eightfold risk of crashing. Smartphone use can include texting, recording videos, web browsing and selfies. Statistics gathered by the National Safety Council estimate mobile phone use is responsible for 27 percent of all accidents, both fatal and nonfatal.

Not using seatbelts may also be a major cause of fatal traffic accidents. NHTSA claims seatbelts could save 13,000 motorists every year. This is a significant percentage of those who may die in an estimated 30,000 plus traffic accidents by the end of 2016.

Can Self-Driving Cars Decrease Traffic Fatalities?

NHTSA’s new study shows human error remains a major cause of fatal car accidents. This may be why regulators are anxious for manufacturers to test and release self-driving cars, technology that will take human error out of the equation. NHTSA recently released new guidelines for the testing of self-driving cars. In a few years, these vehicles may help reduce fatal traffic accidents.

The Wyoming and Colorado personal injury attorneys at Metier Law Firm encourage you to drive safely and responsibly.