America’s roads are becoming less and less safe. In 2016, 39 states reported an increase in the number of traffic fatalities. Nationwide, the fatalities rose by 5.6 percent. A total of 37,461 drivers died in New York and across the U.S. that year. It is known that road safety conditions in America are inferior compared to those of other developed countries.

Drivers may be wondering who can lead the way in pushing and implementing improvements. This is where a new report from the National Governors Association comes in. The organization states that state governors have a key role to play in keeping highways safe. They can coordinate efforts between different state agencies, such as the highway safety agencies, and they can review existing efforts to improve safety.

The report provides a road map, or policy development tool, that each state can use according to its own unique situation. Governors are encouraged to provide solid leadership among the various agencies and strengthen the way current regulations are being enforced.

The NGA is working with the Governors Highway Safety Association with the goal of achieving zero traffic fatalities in the future. The GHSA assisted with the development of the report, and with offices in all 50 states, it could help a lot in coordination efforts as well.

When accidents happen, victims should consider hiring a lawyer to see if they have a valid claim. A successful claim could cover medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, pain and suffering and more. The families of individuals who die in car accidents could also file a wrongful death suit, which may cover funeral and burial expenses and loss of support. After a lawyer takes on a case, he or she can hire investigators to strengthen it and then negotiate an out-of-court settlement.