Tennessee residents may be interested in hearing about data that was recently released regarding traffic-related fatalities here in the state. In 2014, reports show that there were 961 total traffic-related deaths. This is a decrease from 995 for the previous year. Reportedly, this is the second-lowest rate of car accident deaths, dating all the way back to 1963.
Authorities credit the increased use of safety belts and active drunk driving campaigns for the decline of car accident deaths here in the state. In fact, reports show that Tennessee State Troopers pulled over and arrested nearly 2,000 more individuals in 2014 than they did in 2013 for suspicion of DUI. There was nearly a 20 percent decline in deaths related to drunk driving in 2014. Moreover, authorities report that they issued more than 25,000 more citations in 2014 than in 2013 in relation to seat belt usage.
While these numbers are indeed encouraging, there is still a lot of work to be done. For starters, the authorities aren't the only ones who need to be working towards safer roads. Drivers must be aware of the risks of drinking and driving, distracted driving and other common causes of car accidents.
Regardless of this favorable decline, car accidents – fatal and non-fatal – still occur every single day throughout our country. For individuals who have been injured or have lost a loved one in a car accident here in Tennessee, there is legal recourse that can be taken. A successfully litigated suit can often hold the at-fault driver responsible while also resulting in a monetary judgment that requires them to pay damages to the victim -- or a deceased victim's surviving family -- for the harm that they caused.
Source: wjhl.com, "Traffic deaths decline in Tennessee", Lauren Haviland, Jan. 11, 2015
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