As more new vehicles with advanced safety features roll off the manufacturing assembly line and out of dealerships over the recent years, it might seem logical to assume that people may be safer on the roads and highways. Unfortunately, the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration makes it clear that drivers, passengers, bicyclists and motorcyclists continue to face serious risks.
In 2018, there were 1,437 vehicular fatalities recorded in North Carolina, an increase of 25 over the 1,412 fatalities recorded in the previous year and an even greater increase over the 1,379 deaths in 2015 and the 1,284 deaths in 2014. Only 2016 saw a greater number of traffic deaths in the state during the five years spanning from 2014 to 2018 with a fatality count of 1,450.
The increased number of vehicular deaths in 2018 were seen across a variety of accidents including those in which alcohol was a contributing factor. Drunk drivers claimed the life of 421 people statewide that year, 20 more than in 2017. Deaths among pedestrians and motorcyclists also increased from 2017 to 2018. In 2017, 198 people on foot and 176 bikers died in crashes. Those numbers increased to 225 and 191, respectively, in 2018. Large commercial trucks were involved in 177 fatalities in 2018, up from 165 the prior year.
If you would like to learn more about how you or someone you love can get the help you need and deserve after an accident has happened, please feel free to visit the crash assistance and compensation page of our North Carolina motor vehicle accident and personal injury website.
