Traffic deaths in Illinois and the rest of the nation are on the rise. This is a fact that has experts at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) very worried. The stats are pouring in and they show a grim tale of increased injury and death. New measures are being proposed to offset this rise.
The number of traffic deaths is rising
The total number of motor vehicle accidents has been on an alarming rise over the course of the past few years. The total rate of increase in 2021 was reported as 10.5%. This is the highest annual increase since the NHTSA started keeping records in 1975. It’s a trend that seems to show no signs of abating.
Further estimates released by the NHTSA show that there were 42,915 traffic fatalities across the country in 2021. This was a year that managed to set records in its first three quarters. The massive increase was true for 44 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Only 6 states lowered their rates.
The number of deaths that resulted from crashes involving multiple vehicles was up by 16%. At the same time, deaths from daytime crashes involving seniors also rose. Crashes involving pedestrians and large trucks were up by 10%. Other types of crashes also contributed to the increased number of deaths throughout the year.
What to do after a traffic accident
If you should find yourself involved in a traffic accident, you will need to take certain actions. The first thing you will need to do is to seek medical attention. This is true even if you don’t think that your injuries are severe. They may be worse than you think. By the time you realize their severity, it may be too late.
You will also need to get all of your injuries documented by a medical expert. This includes records of surgeries, medications, and any rehab you are required to undergo. The more evidence you have of your treatment, the better. This will make your case stronger when it comes time to file your insurance claim.