January 12, 2012
By: Jana Bell
While many states took steps to create stricter driving laws last year, the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety coalition says the current standards in some states are still red light situations.
The group recently released its annual report card, giving grades to states based on the highway safety laws in place, giving them green, yellow or red designations.
Throughout 2011, 13 states adopted new safety laws, with the total number of states with a green rating rising to 17, plus the District of Columbia. However, eight states continued to have red report cards, which the group says leaves them open to elevated accident rates and the increased medical, economic and auto insurance costs they bring.
"Crash-related deaths and injuries are highly preventable," said Dr. Ileana Arias, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We can reduce the human and economic toll of motor vehicle-related injuries by supporting prevention strategies that have been shown to save lives."
Overall, the group says that no state currently meets all of its 15 recommendations. To do so, a total of 348 new laws would need to be passed across the country.
Related Articles:
- Teens admit to texting while driving despite risks May 08, 2012
- NY regulators propose new insurance rules to reduce fraud May 03, 2012
- More auto insurance shoppers willing to switch May 01, 2012
- Survey finds teens believe they are safe drivers despite distractions April 27, 2012
- Returning soldiers have higher accident risks April 24, 2012
