The Roadmap Safety Reports Upward Trend in Vehicle Accident Fatalities

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety has officially released its 2023 Roadmap Safety report. The annual report assesses road safety and examines critical driver safety laws across the United States. States are each graded by a scorecard based on the number of fatalities caused by vehicles. In addition, experts review traffic safety laws regarding occupant protection, child passenger safety, teen driving, impaired driving, and distracted driving to examine each state’s statistics. Read the full report to find out about optimal safety driver laws in your state.

Current issues on the nation’s highways impose a great deal of stress, physical strain, and mental anguish on victims of vehicle accidents. According to the report, there has been a recent upward trend of fatalities caused by motor vehicle collisions since 2020. In 2021, there were 6,101 motorcycle riders killed, the highest number of deaths since data collection started in 1975.

The report discusses possible solutions to optimize safety laws and measures for motorcyclists. Additionally, the report found that 28 states have one or zero optimal laws that protect motorcycle riders, such as requiring them to wear helmets while operating their vehicles.

Vehicle Fatalities in Illinois

Additionally, the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety examined how many motor vehicle fatalities occurred in the last year and what highway laws need to be adopted to protect motorists better. According to the report, in 2021, 1,357 deaths on the roadways were caused by auto vehicles in the state of Illinois. Optimal laws that the state could adopt to protect drivers on the road include a booster seat law, nighttime driving restriction, and strict motorcycle helmet laws.

However, the state adopted optimal highway laws to protect children from crashes and prevent distracted driving. These safety measures include regulations for wearing seatbelts, rear-facing for young children, and texting. While this is a step in the right direction, the state needs to continue improving traffic safety laws for drivers and passengers.

In addition to fatalities, motor vehicle crashes result in significant financial burdens for the state and victims. For example, the report reveals that motor vehicle crashes in Illinois cost the state $14.1 billion in 2021.

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Today

Vehicle accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities. Therefore, taking safety precautions while driving on the roads is crucial. State traffic laws must be optimized to protect more drivers and passengers—including motorcyclists and children. Read more about traffic safety and learn what drivers can do to protect their families in the 2023 Roadmap Safety report.

If you have been injured in a vehicle accident, contact our experienced injury attorneys at Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd to investigate your vehicle accident case.