Governors to pave the way for better road safety

California residents are probably aware that road safety is not what it could be, especially when compared to other developed countries. The number of traffic fatalities in the U.S. has been rising in recent years, with a 5.6 percent increase in 2016. That year, more than 37,000 road users were killed, and 39 states saw an increase in traffic deaths that year compared to 2015.

The National Governors Association has, for this reason, seen fit to emphasize the role of state governors in road safety improvements. Without governors, state agencies cannot collaborate with each other on road safety guidelines or strengthen existing policies. Governors, says the NGA, should provide strong leadership and communicate with the agencies, especially the highway safety offices.

These offices are part of the Governors Highway Safety Association, an agency that helped in developing the policy development tools in the report. The report acts as a "road map" that can be used in whole or in part by each state according to its unique situation. The goal, shared by both the NGA and GHSA, is to reduce traffic fatalities to zero in the future. The two agencies, for their part, continue to work together for a safer community.

One may wonder how newer safety regulations can prevent drivers from being negligent. In the meantime, personal injury laws allow victims to file for compensation. When successful, victims could have their medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering covered. An attorney can often be of assistance in attempting to obtain a settlement from the at fault-driver's insurance company.