In 2016, the latest year for which there is data, there were about 37,000 deaths in motor vehicle crashes, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That marked an increase of nearly 6 percent from the previous year. Distracted driving and drowsy driving fatalities declined by 2 and 3.5 percent, respectively, but reckless behaviors such as speeding, alcohol impairment, and not wearing seat belts continued to increase, the agency said. Motorcyclist and pedestrian deaths made up more than a third of that increase.
Even with the declines in distracted and drowsy driving, those are still effective killers on the road — drivers are still poised to use phones and dashboard screens while operating a vehicle, for example. Add to that the fact that the overall increase is related to reckless behaviors, and what you have is a recipe for negligent parties to put you and your loved ones at risk of death on the road, whether they’re driving for work, recreation, or another purpose.