The number of highway fatalities shot up by 22% in 2022, according to statistics released by the National Safety Council (NSC). This dramatic increase in the number of motor vehicle deaths on America’s highways has been attributed to an increase in distracted driving, with more devices in vehicles contributing to an increased rate of auto accidents. Safety advocates have implored cell phone makers, auto manufacturers, software companies, and lawmakers to address what they see as a growing public health crisis.

What Do the Statistics Say?

According to the NSC, there were approximately 46,000 highway fatalities last year, up 22% compared to 2021. Of these, it is estimated that between 25% and 30% of all of these fatalities involve a distracted driver. However, this number is difficult to estimate because the tools for figuring out if someone was distracted while driving are limited.

Why is This Happening?

The COVID-19 pandemic saw an overall increase in the number of motor vehicle fatalities across the board, with various reckless driving habits becoming more common. Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of these habits, with an increasing number of drivers using their cell phone or other electronic devices while they are driving. According to the survey, as much as 77% of the population used a cell phone while driving, including to look up maps, read a text or email, or to update social media.

Why is Distracted Driving More Common?

One of the reasons that distracted driving may be more common is that some people do not take the issue seriously, with as much as a third of people saying they were not concerned about the use of cell phones while driving. Another factor is that more devices are now available in vehicles, such as TV screens, which can be distracting for drivers in their vehicles. Because of this, it is far easier for drivers to potentially get distracted by things happening in their car, increasing the risk of accidents.

What is Being Done to Address the Issue?

In order to try to bring down the rate of highway fatalities, safety advocates are trying a number of steps, including pushing for manufacturers to add safety features that prevent distractions. These include, for example, software that can turn off certain features on devices that may provide a distraction to a driver. There is also an increased effort to bring public awareness to the issue of distracted driving, which continues to be a serious threat to public safety.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.