Feds Grant $562 Million to Road Safety America’s roadways may get a little safer. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced the release of $562 million in grants for highway safety programs in all 50 states. The highway safety grants will be used to address alcohol-impaired and drug-impaired driving, distracted driving, and improve pedestrian, motorcyclist and bicyclist safety. Here is a breakdown of some of the funding:
- $147.5 million to combat driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- $17 million for distracted driving prevention
- $14.3 million for pedestrian and bicyclist safety programs
- $4.3 million for motorcyclist safety
In 2018, there were 36,560 roadway fatalities in the United States. Many of these accidents were preventable as most of them involved behavioral issues such as speeding, alcohol and drug-impaired driving, distraction, fatigue, motorcycle safety, and lack of seat belt usage. On a positive note, alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities decreased by 3.6% from 2017 to 2018. This accounts for 29% of all crash fatalities in 2018, which is the lowest percentage since 1982 when such alcohol data collection began. Although deaths have fallen, drunk driving is still a major cause of death on our roadways, killing more than 10,000 lives per year. Every two minutes, someone is injured in a drunk driving crash, and every 51 minutes, someone is killed according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Distracted driving, however, remains the number one cause of car accidents. Activities behind the wheel such as texting, eating, putting on makeup can create a moment of distraction that can then cause an accident.
Other major motor vehicle accident causes include breaking speed limits, reckless driving that endangers others on the roadway, red light running, driving unprepared in inclement weather conditions such as dense fog or heavy rain, and driving at night when visibility of possible hazards can be limited. Law enforcement recommends people play their part in making roads safe. Drive alert, at the speed limit and obey all traffic laws. If you plan to go somewhere and drink, designate a sober driver, call a cab, order an Uber or Lyft car or contact some other kind of dial-a-ride service. In the unfortunate instance that you find yourself or someone you know is involved in an accident involving serious injury or death, contacting a personal injury lawyer is prudent. A personal injury lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona can advise you free of charge regarding your case, your rights and what compensation you for injuries, medical bills, lost income that may be claimed.
Thanks to the Law Office of Paul Englander, PLC for their insight into personal injury claims and car accidents.