With six weeks left to go before New Years, officials from the National Safety Council report there were more than 40,000 people killed in traffic accidents so far this year. Considering holiday time historically means a rise in drunk driving accidents, it’s quite possibly the death toll will rise before we say goodbye to 2015.

The NSC says 2015 has been the worst year in a decade for traffic death and severe accident injuries. In the first quarter of 2015, traffic fatalities were up almost 10 percent over the previous year. The cost of these accidents rose sharply, as well. The price tag for property damage, injuries and deaths caused by traffic accidents in 2015 stands about about $152 billion more than in 2014, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The question that looms large is this: if cars are being made to be safer, why are accident statistics skyrocketing. Deborah Hershman, president of the NSC, says distracted driving accidents are to blame. Specifically, she points to crashes caused by texting and driving and other cell-phone related activities as the major reason for the increase in fatal accidents.

The National Safety Council agreed, noting that according to a recent study, one-quarter of all accidents in the United States involved cell phone use.

If you or someone you love is injured in any motor vehicle accident, contact LaDuca Law Firm for sound and compassionate legal guidance about your personal injury lawsuit. We can hold the negligent driver responsible and obtain a substantial financial settlement on your behalf.