Fatal automobile crashes are on the rise in Oregon. The state itself is identified as having some of the best safety laws for transportation, yet the number of collisions is again growing.
Why is the number of collisions increasing?
The state has a number of strong laws regarding the use of seat belts, cellphone use when behind the wheel and even wearing helmets. Despite that, some people still use their phones to get online or to check emails, to text or talk to others while they drive. This is distracting, and it leads to crashes. Others fail to wear their seat belts, which can lead to a person suffering more serious injuries or death in a crash that might otherwise have been survivable. Motorcyclists are supposed to wear helmets, but some do not, and this leads to more serious injuries and deaths as well.
How many more people are dying in Oregon in 2016 as compared to 2013?
In 2016, 495 people died in Oregon as compared to 313 in 2013. Advocacy groups believe the number can be reduced again by changing some of the state laws. For instance, placing stronger nighttime restrictions on drivers of a certain age, making 16 the minimum age for a learner’s permit and making 18 the age for an unrestricted license could help stop the increase in accidents.
If your loved one has died in a crash or if you’ve been injured, you’re not alone. You have a right to seek out a claim against the negligent driver and to obtain the medical treatment you need to recover.
Source: Statesman Journal, “Fatal auto crashes in Oregon on the rise again,” Lauren E. Hernandez, accessed March 02, 2017
