As the years have gone by, the St. Louis traffic accident attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman have been shocked at the increase in traffic accidents, particularly given the amount of safety technology available in vehicles these days. 2016 fatalities increased 6% to 40,200, on the heels of a 7% rise in 2015.

What’s Driving the Trend?

• More Cars, More Miles
Lower gas prices and an improved economy have vehicle mileage on the up-and-up. The number of cars on the road jumped 3.5% over 2015, the largest increase in more than a decade.

• More Distractions
At any given time of the day, more than 660,000 drivers are trying to use their phone to text, talk, or stay social while driving. Combined with added vehicle touchscreen tech, these distractions equate to more than a station swap.

• Inexperienced Drivers
Making ignorant decisions (running lights, speeding through school zones) lead to more accidents overall.

• Pricey Repairs
The expense of fixing technology-ridden cars is leading many to drive them in dangerous disrepair.

More than Fender Benders
More than 35% of spinal injuries are the result of vehicle accidents, with medical costs that have nearly doubled from 1999-2008. Combined with long-term post-injury care and lost income costs, these can become economically and emotionally crippling.

Have you suffered at the hands of a distracted driver? Protect your quality of life with the help of the St. Louis traffic accident attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman.