Indiana residents may well be excited to hear about advances in automotive technology designed to improve safety. Things like forward collision warning, backup cameras and more are meant to help prevent accidents. Other technologies like airbags focus on reducing the severity of injuries to peopleif an accident does in fact occur. However, despite all of these types of advances, not only do accidents still happen but more people are dying in car crashes than in prior years.

According to data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States experienced a dip in the number of vehicular fatalities recorded in 2014. Since then, however, the subsequent two years have seen year-over-year increases. The death toll from 2016 was actually 5.6 percent higher than in 2015. Last year more than 37,460 people lost their lives on American roads and highways.

Knowing that car makers are improving the safety of vehicles, it is only logical that drivers wonder what could be making the fatality rates rise. The answer is sad but true - human decisions and negligence. Statistics point to things like not wearing seatbelts and driving above posted speed limits as factors in many of the deadly wrecks. These things are completely within the control of drivers and passengers.

When a poor decision by one person leaves another one injured or dead in Indiana, those left behind to help or grieve may find talking with an attorney a good way of getting guidance.

Source: USA Today, "Deadly car crashes are on the rise again, hitting a 9-year high," Nathan Bomey, October 6, 2017