As a Oregon Personal Injury Lawyer I am constantly speaking with people injured by the negligence of others. I often find myself in constant awe of the stupid things people do behind the wheel despite knowing the risk involved. Oregonians are constantly reminded that they shouldn't do stupid things while driving. For example: Don't Drive Impaired, Don't text and Drive, and Don't exceed the Speed Limit. There are numerous television ads, radio ads, and billboards all designed to remind driver's to not do stupid things.

Despite the various reminders fatal crashes are rapidly increasing in the United States. The National Safety Counsel recently released some troubling statistics. Roughly 19,000 people were killed on U.S. roads from January 2016 to June 2016. This number is more than 18 percent more than the same six month period two years ago. A staggering 2.2 million people were seriously injured in car crashes during the first six months of this year. Oregon had the second highest increase in traffic deaths since late 2014.

It is projected that over 40,000 people will die in car crashes if this continues. The Counsel claims that the estimated actual costs of the deaths and injuries is roughly $205 billion. However it is unclear from the article I read how exactly that figure was calculated.

The Counsel blames complacencyas the root of all of these traffic deaths. We know certain activities are dangerous, but disregard the risks because we become comfortable with all of the risks we are taking. Others claim that more people are working and gas is cheaper, so more people are driving. Whatever the cause of the increase is, it is clear that Oregon drivers must change their driving habits. We cannot risk injuring or killing people because we knowingly make risky choices behind the wheel.

If you would like to learn more you can visit the recent article on the subject. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a car crash, call Portland Personal Injury Attorney Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658. Ross Law LLC provides FREE personal injury consultations to people injured by others. We are happy to discuss whether or not you have a legal claim against another, the insurance issues, and the likely outcome of pursuing a claim.