U.S. on track for deadliest year on the road since 2007

Traffic deaths are 14 percent higher through the first six months of 2015 than the same

period in 2014, and serious injuries are 30 percent higher, according to estimates from the

National Safety Council. From January to June, nearly 19,000 people died in traffic crashes

across the U.S., and more than 2.21 million were seriously injured. That means the U.S. is on

course for its deadliest driving year since 2007.

Costs are also up. The six-month estimated bill for traffic deaths, injuries and property damage is

$152 billion 24 percent higher than 2014.

The grim statistics are worth keeping in mind when selling safety to customers buying new cars.