National Safety Council News

40,000 Traffic Fatalities a Year Prompts National Safety Council to Issue a Call for Action

Mandatory ignition interlocks, a three tier graduated driver licensing system for drivers ages 21 and below and universal motorcycle helmet laws are just a few of the suggested changes, the National Safety Council (NSC) said will help in reducing traffic …

Road Fatalities Surged in First Half of 2016

Traffic fatalities were up 9 percent in the first six months of this year compared with the same period last year, continuing a surge in deaths that began two years ago as the economy improved and travel picked up, according …

Illinois Traffic Fatalities Expected to Top 1,000 in 2016

Safety and insurance industry experts say Illinois traffic fatalities are expected to pass 1,000 this year for the first time since 2008 because of higher speeds, more miles driven and an increase in the number of younger drivers on the …

Increase in Traffic Deaths, Serious Injuries This Year Leads to 24% Higher Costs

Traffic deaths are 14 percent higher through the first six months of 2015 than they were during the same period in 2014, and serious injuries are 30 percent higher, according to the National Safety Council. From January to June, nearly …

Poll Finds 8 in 10 Drivers Believe Hands-Free Cell Phones Are Safer

New findings from a National Safety Council public opinion poll indicate 80 percent of drivers across America incorrectly believe that hands-free devices are safer than using a handheld phone. More than 30 studies show hands-free devices are no safer than …

Hersman, NTSB Head, Steps Down

Deborah Hersman, who headed the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board during high-profile investigations into plane crashes and other transit mishaps, said on Tuesday she would leave the agency in April after almost 10 years. Hersman’s surprise departure comes as the …

Graduated Driver Licensing Could Save 2,000 Lives, $13.6 Billion: Study

If all states implemented comprehensive graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws, an estimated 2,000 lives could be saved. Further, if all 50 states were to enact comprehensive GDL laws, it could generate savings of $13.6 billion per year. That’s according to …