There were more than 18,600 motor-vehicle deaths nationally from January through June this year, compared to 16,400 deaths for the first six months of last year for an increase of more than 13 percent, according to CNN and the National Safety Council.
To put the number of deaths in perspective, that number is approximately the entire population of the city of Covington, according to a Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority media release.
Lower gas prices and higher numbers of people commuting due to a robust economy are major contributing factors. Increased use of cellphones and texting are also part of the problem.
In April of this year, the Kent Fire Department RFA responded to a fatality crash on 148th Avenue Southeast where a possibly distracted driver crossed the center line and killed the driver of the other car. In 2014, four people were struck by a pickup truck as they tried to run across Pacific Highway South, one of the four was killed.
In 2013, firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle crash that took the life of a Kentridge High School student after another driver pulled into traffic triggering a three-car crash. That same year two drivers died in two separate crashes after leaving the road and hitting trees.
As a driver, what can you do to help avoid becoming a statistic? The Kent Fire Department offers a few tips:
• Slow down. Increasing your speed by 5 to 10 miles per hour for the average commuter only saves a few minutes of time but greatly increases the chances of a crash.
• Drive defensively. Assume others are going to do something unexpected and be ready for it.
• Pay attention. When you are driving, that is not the time to be texting, putting on makeup, or reading the newspaper. In addition, watch for pedestrians, people on bikes, and animals.
• Be patient. All too often road rage leads to crashes and innocent people getting hurt.
• Drive sober. Medications, alcohol, and legal/illegal drugs can all affect your ability to drive safely.
• Be alert. Avoid driving when tired or fatigued.
Not all records are something to be proud of. The Kent Fire Department RFA asks that you do your part by driving in a safe and responsible manner.
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