Drivers in Missouri should keep abreast of the statistical dangers when out on the road as this can provide a guideline to being safer. The number of deaths on the road is a constant worry for people who need to get back and forth in various ways. Recent statistics released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows just how risky it can be for everyone who takes the road in Missouri and across the nation.

There were 39,339 transportation fatalities in the U.S. in 2016. 95 percent of these were on the highway. The NTSB says that most could have been prevented. Suggestions from the agency include improving safety protocol including technology that can help drivers to avoid being in a collision when the driver makes a mistake. There was an increase in fatalities by more than 2,000 from 2015 to 2016. This is a trend that runs the gamut in transportation as highway, marine and railroad fatalities all increased. Aviation deaths reduced slightly.

In 2015, there were 35,485 deaths. In 2016, that rose to 37,461. In passenger vehicles, the rise was from 12,761 to 13,412, For railroads, it rose to 730 from 688. 96 percent were on recreational vessels. Aviation deaths declined to 412 from 416. 94 percent of these were categorized as “general flight.” Air taxis had 19 deaths in 2016 and 27 in 2015.

While these numbers might not seem relevant to many, those who are out on the road with any frequency should keep alert because accidents can happen without warning and range in their causes and in what capacity the person was traveling. An accident can lead to serious injury that can cause massive medical costs, lost wages from being unable to work, and long-term problems. With a fatal accident, the family left behind will need to accept the unexpected loss of a loved one and all the issues that accompany it. A legal filing is frequently the only strategy to be adequately compensated. A lawyer who is skilled with wrongful death cases can be of help.

Source: thedrive.com, “More Americans Died Getting Around Last Year, Most on U.S. Highways,” Kate Gibson, Nov. 21, 2017