Motor-vehicle deaths increased by 8% in 2015 — the largest jump in 50 years, according to the Itasca, Ill.-based National Safety Council.
Analysis from the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) has found that distracted driving, increase in traffic congestion, changing demographics, distracted walking and the decriminalization of marijuana are among the leading casues contributing to the rise in accidents.
This trend means more claims for Auto insurers. And unfortunately, this comes at a time when claims are becoming more expensive.
In a January article for PropertyCasualty360.com, Robert Passmore, assistant vice president, policy development and research at PCI, writes "On average, insurance claim costs for bodily injuries rose 42% and collision coverages are up 17% during the past decade."
Here are the 10 states with the biggest increase in accident costs, according to PCI's analysis of Fast Track data:
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10. Rhode Island
Increase in accident costs: 6.5%.
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9. Colorado
Increase in accident costs: 7.2%.
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7. (tie) Maryland
Increase in accident costs: 7.4%.
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7. (tie) South Carolina
Increase in accident costs: 7.4%.
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6. Mississippi
Increase in accident costs: 7.8%.
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5. Nevada
Increase in accident costs: 8%.
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4. Massachusetts
Increase in accident costs: 8.1%.
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3. Florida
Increase in accident costs: 8.5%.
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2. Georgia
Increase in accident costs: 9.5%.
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1. Washington, D.C.
Increase in accident costs: 12.2%.
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