IMHO, there is a definite increase. Also IMHO, it is attributable to increased driver distraction, from:
1. Cellphoning
2. Texting
3. iPods and other MP3 players
4. Automobiles that are ergonomically poorly designed.
It probably won't happen in our lifetimes, but at some point, someone is going to successfully sue an automobile manufacturer for
#4 . Fixing
#1 and
#2 will likely require legislation, and I'm not holding my breath.