Traffic Accident Fatality Rates Fall to the Lowest Level Since the 1940s
Despite the fact that Americans drove about three trillion miles last year – an increase of 21 billion miles from the previous year – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the number of traffic fatalities in 2010 dipped to the lowest levels since 1949.
According to the agency, 32,788 people were killed in car accidents last year. This is a three percent decrease of traffic fatalities from 2009 and a 25 percent decrease from 2005.
Factors Contributing to the Traffic Fatality Decrease
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decrease in car accident fatalities. One major factor is the number of campaigns designed to increase driver awareness on behaviors like distracted driving, driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and using seat belts.
In addition, government agencies have made improvements on the roads, such as the installation of rumble strips and wire median barriers, which have helped protect drivers from veering out of their lanes. The auto industry has also made contributions to driver safety, such as adding anti-lock breaks, stability control features and extra air bags to vehicles.
Although these are all steps in the right direction, Ray LaHood, the United States Secretary of Transportation, said there is still a lot more work to be done to keep drivers safe on the country’s roads.
“Despite this good news, we are not going to rest on our laurels. That’s because the number of people killed in preventable roadway tragedies is simply too high; 30,000 deaths is 30,000 too many,” he wrote in his official blog. “And if you lost a loved one to a crash in 2010, or know someone who did, then you know exactly what I mean.”
An Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can assess your case and help you get the compensation for your injuries you deserve. For more information, contact an attorney today.