Accident costs borne by society rather than individual crash victims, total more than $200 billion annually, according to NHTSA.
The National Safety Council estimates 439 people may be killed and an additional 50,500 will be seriously injured – requiring medical care – in motor vehicle crashes during the three-day Memorial Day holiday. If the estimate holds, this will be the deadliest Memorial Day holiday since 2009, when 462 Americans were killed on U.S. roadways, according to federal data.
“Driving is one of the riskiest things we do every day. Engaging our defensive driving skills and staying alert can mean the difference between attending cookouts and family parties or spending the evening at the emergency room or worse,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the NSC.
The NSC estimate comes as traffic fatalities continue to trend upwards. In February, the NSC released preliminary estimates showing motor vehicle fatalities had increased 8% in 2015 compared to 2014 – the largest year-over-year percentage increase in 50 years. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer, which always is a dangerous time on the roads. More than 9,570 people died on U.S. roads in 2014 from May 24 and August 31.
The Council believes the spike in fatal car crashes is due in part to an improving economy with lower gas prices and lower unemployment rates. Certain crash factors, such as speeding and alcohol, are more common during the summer, too.
