• 59% of Americans worry about unsafe road conditions;
• 28% of Americans say car accidents they were involved in caused by those deteriorating road conditions;
• 32,885 individuals died in car accidents during 2010;
• 187,921 individuals killed on U.S. highways from the period of 2006 to 2010.
Many Americans are reportedly concerned about deteriorating and unsafe road conditions throughout the country. A nationwide poll that was carried out at the behest of the Laborers’ International Union of North America suggests that almost 6 out of every 10 Americans are worried about unsafe road conditions in our nation. Another 3 out of 10 indicate that they blame unsafe road conditions for being at least partially responsible for car accidents in which they were involved.
It seems that the federal government may be finally responding to these concerns that Americans across the country share. The Senate passed a $350 billion highway bill that will fund road improvements over a 6-year period. Of course, this bill must still pass through the House of Representatives before it can become a reality. It does seem clear that these road improvements are a necessity, however. The recent economic trouble across the country meant that road improvements have been delayed in many areas. One report indicates that at least 32% of America’s roadways are in either poor or mediocre repair.
Not only do these poor road conditions lead to extra wear and tear on motorists’ vehicles, they also increase the risk to vehicle occupants. The same report suggests that road conditions are a significant factor in approximately 33% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. A study by the Federal Highway Administration indicates that spending just $100 million on safety improvements of highways could save at least 145 lives over a decade. That invaluable benefit is added to the savings in wear-and-tear costs in addition to the economic boost that widespread road improvements would create.
Those who have been injured or lost loved ones in car accidents caused by unsafe road conditions have the right to seek economic relief. Please contact our St. Louis car accident law firm at 1-888-586-7041 to schedule a free initial consultation. We can help you decide your best course of action as you seek to recover both physically and financially. Personal injury and wrongful death laws exist to help Missouri and Illinois residents who have been negatively affected by another party’s negligence.
Disclaimer: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Sources: http://www.mycentraloregon.com/2015/07/31/senate-passes-long-term-highway-funding-bill/ and http://www.rebuildca.org/new-poll-shows-americans-worried-unsafe-roads/ and http://www.tripnet.org/docs/TRIP_National_Fact_Sheet_April_2012.pdf