Despite increases in safety features on California cars, traffic fatalities are actually on the rise. There are many reasons this may be true, but experts often site distracted driving as one of the biggest causes of the increase in fatal car accidents. Recently a more in depth question has been asked: Are there are certain apps out there that are specifically responsible for the rise in car accidents?
If there are, then should those apps be disabled? In this article we’re going to take a look at popular apps that are being blamed, such as Snapchat, Waze, and Pokemon Go. We will find out what their role may be in the increase in traffic deaths. Once you’ve learned more, please contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation if you’ve been in a car accident.
You may not realize how significant the rise in traffic fatalities has been
Many people have no idea just how much traffic fatalities have increase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (known as the NHTSA) says that in 2015 apps were at least somewhat responsible for the largest increase in fatal car accidents they’ve seen in more than 50 years. They also show that between January and June of 2016, traffic fatalities were up 10% compared to the year before. Then consider that in 2015 it had already gone up over 7% from the year before. This is a serious increase in traffic deaths.
Some apps encourage users to be on them while driving
The issue that lawmakers are currently considering involves apps that actually encourage people to use them while driving. Waze is a GPS-enabled app that drivers use to report traffic, accidents, etc. while on the road. Snapchat actually has a filter that you can use to add your vehicle’s speed when taking a picture. Then there is Pokemon Go, which tells users to be on the lookout at all times.
There is a program in place – will it help?
The good news is that the state and country aren’t taking these increases sitting down. Instead, the NHTSA has developed a strategy that they hope will make the roads safer. It’s a 30-year plan that they believe will lead to zero fatal car accidents. They call it the “Road to Zero” and it involves changing laws at the federal level, adding regulations, and adjusting road standards. It also involves speeding up the development of technologies like self-driving vehicles that could potentially lower the rate of accidents.
We can help you if you’ve been involved in a car accident
In the event that you are injured in a car accident, or you lose a loved one to a fatal car accident, you will need legal help. You can find that help from The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker. Reach out to us at 800-333-0000 and we can begin with a free legal consultation. We are here to help you through this difficult time.
