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Traffic Deaths Rise By 7.7% In 2015

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently reported that deaths caused by vehicle crashes spiked in 2015, reaching their highest level since 2008.

Numerous Factors Contribute To An Increase In Traffic Deaths

According to NHTSA data, 35,200 were killed in traffic last year, a significant rise from 32,675 in 2014. The NHTSA data also indicates that crashes involving large trucks were up 4%.

The increase is blamed on several factors, including low gas prices and an improving U.S. economy which drove Americans to put 3.1 trillion miles on their vehicles — more than ever before.

Increased speed limits in many states are also thought to contribute to the uptick in highway deaths.

Distracted driving is thought to be another factor that has caused the increase in traffic deaths.

Self-Driving Vehicles Hoped To Reduce Highway Fatalities In The Future

Numerous transportation officials say that the best way to reduce traffic fatalities is to usher in self-driving vehicles, though they admit that the technology has a long way way to go before it can be implemented effectively.

Sources:
USA Today
The Washington Post
PBS

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